NOTES:

WORDS BUILD OR BREAK.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.   Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.    Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

WORDS REVEAL OUR HEART.

A tree is identified by its fruit. … For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. … I tell you this: you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you. Matthew 12:33-37 (NLT)

HOW TO BUILD, NOT BRUISE, WITH YOUR WORDS

BE QUICK TO LISTEN, SLOW TO SPEAK.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 (NLT)

WHEN YOU THINK SOMETHING GOOD, SAY IT.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

MEN: PURSUE HER WITH WORDS OF AFFECTION

WOMEN: PURSUE HIM WITH WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

WHEN YOUR WORDS GO TOO FAR… STOP!

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.         Proverbs 21:23 (NLT)

BOTTOM LINE: BETTER communication leads to DEEPER connection.

THE CHALLENGE: Say Something Good EVERY DAY This Week