01.21.08
Small Group Plan - January 20, 2008
“Yada, Yada, Yada”
Myspace or Ourspace?
Small Group Plan
January 20, 2008
Dear Small Group Leader,
You’ve heard it, but it’s not true:
“Sticks and stones may break my bones
but words will never hurt me.”
Self-confidence has been crushed by words. Wrong turns have been made because of words. Relationships have ended due to words. Trust has been destroyed by words. Words are a great gift and they come to us neutral. We add the tone, the intent and volume. And we turn them into selfish weapons or selfless gifts.
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· Why do people abbreviate conversations?
· What are the strengths of words?
· What are the weaknesses of words?
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
Influential Words
Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has the power of life and death.
· How would you describe the power of communication?
· How can the use or abuse of words damage a relationship?
· How can words be used to nurture a relationship?
Impulsive Words
Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.
· What does someone mean when they say, “I wish I hadn’t said that?”
· How and why do hasty comments usually create relationship problems?
· What does verbal manipulation look like?
· How does it feel and what does it do to a relationship?
Honest Words
Proverbs 16:13
Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.
Proverbs 24:26
An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
· How does honesty strengthen a relationship?
· Is it possible to be too direct? Explain.
Few Words
Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
· Why is silence often “wise?”
· How can we know when it’s time to “hold our tongue”?
Calm Words
Proverbs 25:15
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
· Where have you seen a gentle tongue?
· How would you describe its power?
Powerful Words
James 3:3-10
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
· What does James mean when he warns, “no man can tame the tongue?”
· How could a person praise God and curse people at the same time?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· What helps you to listen before you speak?
· How do find the courage to finally talk when it’s time?
Close by asking God for wisdom and courage use the best words.