The Power of Words

Mother's Day
The Power of Words by John and Kathy Burke, May 11, 2008
In this message, John and Kathy Burke both spoke about what words can do, for better and for worse. These questions will ask you about both sides of the power of words in your life, look how words have effected you, and how, perhaps, your words have effected others. You’ll have to do some shuffling through your memory to think of the words or types of messages you remember. So be ready to just sit and think some about of your own experiences. (And it would be useful for everyone to have a piece of scrap paper and pen/pencil to write down some thoughts).

1. One type of word that is often easy to remember is a nickname. Do you have (or have you ever had) a nickname? If not you, maybe someone else close to you? What was the background of the name? Did you or the other person like it or hate it? Did it “stick” until today? Why or why not? Take a few minutes to talk about nicknames – both the good and bad of them. (10 minutes)
2. In their message, John and Kathy said the tongue has power in at least four different ways: the power to Guide, the power to Motivate, the power to Encourage, and the power to Heal. Take some time to think about each one of these in your own life. Try to remember when you have either heard or used words that had each effect. As you think through each one of the four in turn, jot down the words and the impact they had. (5 minutes)

3. Next, pair off and take the time to talk about at least two of the experiences you noted from question #2 (and more if you feel comfortable and time permits). Go back and forth with each other and share your experiences with the impact of words. Then, in the group as a whole, let each person describe one of their discussion partner’s experiences and the words they remember. (15 - 20 minutes)

4. Next, think about your own interaction style: Which of these “types” of words comes most natural to you (Guiding, Motivating, Encouraging, Healing)? Which comes hardest? Are you like John, someone who is more naturally analytical and critical, or like Kathy, a natural encourager? Briefly share what you think are your most natural types of words? (10 minutes)

5. Now, think for a minute about Jesus, what type of communicator was He? Can you identify different styles of words He used – either in the time He was here on earth, or in His communication with you? (10 minutes)

6. Wind up by thinking about how you might put some of this to the test. Can you think of a person you can speak “powerful” words to in the next week – either to guide, to motivate, to encourage, or to heal? Is there someone you can “catch in the act” of something to encourage? Is there someone with whom you need words of healing? Someone you can motivate to better things? Center on one person and ask God to let you know what sort of words you can/need to say – and then ask Him to open up a door for you speak those words to them this week. (And please take any “guidance” to the Lord before you talk… remember the power of our words!) (3 – 5 minutes)

Bible verses from the message:
The tongue has the power of life and death…. Proverbs 18:21

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 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. 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. James 3:3-6

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. Proverbs 25:15

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

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18

Want to get more/go farther?

• You can listen to this message - and other ones too at Gateway Messages.
• Read about the ideas and values behind Gateway Community Church in John Burke's book No Perfect People Allowed (available on-line or in the Garage bookstore)>
• Get an idea of where you are in your spiritual journey and customize your own next steps at Gateway's Discover, Develop, Deepen website.
• Search for other topics you want to know more about Gateway's online Bookstore