As part of the ongoing “40 Days of Love” sermon series, let’s explore how we can use our words to spread God’s love to others.

As we read in the book of James this morning, he stated that “All of us often make mistakes. But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect.” James emphasizes the importance of our words, using several tongue illustrations, such as a rudder, a fire, and a mountain spring.

Where do our words come from? Jesus answers this in Matthew 12:34, stating that “Words flow out of what fills the heart.” Whatever resides in our heart will inevitably spill out in our words.

Jesus desires us to express love to the people in our lives through our words. How can we demonstrate love in our communication, which is a crucial aspect of our relationships?

Firstly, as a church, we are called to love people with honesty in our words. This example comes from Jesus Himself, who, as God in human form, walked the earth and engaged in numerous conversations with people. In those dialogues, we can see how Jesus talked to people with honesty.

How can we be honest with our words and still show love? The phrase “speaking the truth in love” from Ephesians offers guidance on how to do this. By combining truth and love in our communication, we can speak honestly while still showing love and compassion. Honesty is important in our relationships and it starts with being honest with ourselves.

Secondly, we are called to love people with careful words. Words are powerful, so we have to be careful with them. We all know the impact of the wrong word. There are three areas where we need to be careful with our words: anger, gossip, and saying too much.

The Bible warns us about anger in communication in Ephesians 4:26-27, “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you’re still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

Another area in which we need to be mindful of our words is related to gossip. Proverbs 16:28 says, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”

Sometimes we just say too much. Words can be dangerous, and saying too much can get us into trouble. Proverbs 21:23 says, “Watch your words and hold your tongue; you will save yourself a lot of grief.”

Thirdly, we love people with building words. Ephesians 4:29 says “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.”

Rick Warren has an acrostic that’s been helpful to us: THINK. T–is it Truthful? H–is it Helpful? I–is it Inspirational? N–is it Necessary? K–is it Kind? So, let’s think before we speak.

As we close, I invite us to reflect on the five powerful ways of speaking listed in our bulletin and ask Jesus to help us strengthen the areas where we are weak this week.

Kind words have the power to transform worry into joy. As Proverbs 12:25 says, “Worry can rob you of happiness, but kind words will cheer you up.”

Gentle words have the power to break through anger. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Use more pleasant words when trying to instruct or teach others. Proverbs 16:21 says, “Pleasant words promote instruction.”

Honest words are essential to building relationships. Proverbs 24:26 says, “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.”

Wise words have the power to heal a broken heart. Proverbs 12:18 says, “Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal.”

Friends, let’s take a moment to reflect on these different types of powerful words and consider which ones we might need to work on this week. Honestly, we all need God’s help. We need God’s help with our words on our faith journey every day.

*In this series of sermons titled “40 Days of Love,” I have incorporated numerous materials and thoughts from the sermons prepared by Rick Warren and his staff for this study.