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Before you speak this week -- T.H.I.N.K. --
- T – is it Truthful?
- H – is it Helpful?
- I – is it Inspirational?
- N – is it Necessary?
- K – is it Kind?
In addition, consider using this prayer this week:
“Lord, do something with my words this week. Instead of me trying to control my tongue, I’m trusting you to guide my words. I’m asking for your help. I’m asking for your strength. Jesus, guide me into honest words. Honest words of love. Guide me into careful words of love. Guide me into building words of love. I’m asking for your help because I know you love me. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Day 1: Read James 3:1-2. Rabbi Joseph Telushkin asks “Can you go 24 hours without saying (or thinking) any unkind words about, or to, another person?” What words have you spoken in the last 24 hours that built someone up?
Day 2: Read James 3:7-8. You wonder why you and I get in trouble with our words, we are sinners. Sinful words slip out because sin slips out, stumbles out. Words once spoken don’t automatically come back. Where do you need to ask for forgiveness today from God? From someone else?
Day 3: Read James 3:3-4. James wants us to understand the tongue directs where your life goes like a bit on a horse or a rudder on a ship. Look over the past day what direction do your words have you going toward building relationships or away from them?
Day 4: Read James 3:5-6. When have you been “burnt” by someone’s words? Whose words encouraged you to move forward in life? What kind of fires did your words start yesterday? To help or hurt others?
Day 5: Read James 3:9-10. When you speak words that bless or curse, God is always there, always hears? Take time now to praise God with your words in 4 specific statements of praise. Set aside today to repeat this exercise!
Day 6: Read James 3:11-12. Think through 2 sets of words you spoke to someone yesterday? Evaluate them in the T.H.I.N.K. paradigm. Were they Truthful, Helpful, Inspirational, Necessary, Kind? Why or why not?
Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities:
- “Soul Detox: Clean Living in a Contaminated World” by Craig Groeschel (Amazon Kindle #ad)
- “Generous Justice: How God’s Grace Makes Us Just” by Timothy Keller (Amazon Kindle #ad)
- “Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road” by Timothy Keller (Amazon Kindle #ad)
You can also watch this week's sermon or read the full message & GPS here.