How can we encourage others to speak blessings, not curses, as James instructs? One Mouth, One Message James 3:10: “Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!” Why Our Words Matter • Proverbs 18:21—Death and life are in the tongue. • Ephesians 4:29—Only what builds up, giving grace. • 1 Peter 3:9—Called to bless and inherit a blessing. • Matthew 12:36-37—Every careless word will be judged. Tending the Heart First • Luke 6:45—Speech flows from the heart’s treasure. • Psalm 19:14—Let both meditation and words please God. Steps: – Daily Scripture reading to crowd out bitterness. – Quick confession of anger or sarcasm. – Worship that realigns affections with Christ. Modeling Blessing Speech • Speak life consistently; others imitate what they hear. • Highlight positive words you notice: “I loved how you encouraged him.” • Trade complaints for gratitude aloud. • Share testimonies of words that healed. Training Tongues Together • Memorize Numbers 6:24-26 as a shared liturgy. • Establish “no-grumble” zones (meals, meetings). • Gently rephrase curses: “Let’s say that in a way that builds up.” • Keep ready phrases: “May the Lord strengthen you today.” • Write notes or texts of blessing; writing slows rash speech. • Pair up as “speech partners” (Proverbs 27:17). Scripture Arsenal for Blessing Numbers 6:24-26 Romans 15:13 Psalm 20:4 Jude 1:24-25 3 John 1:2 Living It Out Home—Begin mornings blessing family members. Work—Answer criticism with dignifying words. Church—Close gatherings by speaking a corporate blessing. Online—Post Scripture blessings in place of reactive comments. Seven-Day Blessing Challenge Days 1-2: Notice every negative phrase. Days 3-4: Write a blessing for each one. Days 5-7: Speak those blessings to the person or over the circumstance. Expected Fruit • Healthier relationships (Proverbs 15:4). • Greater joy for speaker and hearer. • A clearer witness to unbelievers. • Deeper personal self-control (James 1:26). Choose blessing; let every word echo the life-giving speech of our Lord. |
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