Words can be toxic. Whether it’s the hurtful words we say, or the harmful things that people say to us, words are powerful. In this lesson, we talk about how to deal with our toxic words.
If we want to overcome toxic words, then there are a few things we need to understand.
Words Are Powerful
Proverbs 18:21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
Positive words can make you feel great, but toxic words can tear you down. But there is something else we need to understand about our words.
We Don’t Have the Power to Control Our Words
We don’t have to try hard to say negative things. Those words just come out naturally.
Only God Can Help Us with Our Words
Without God, we can’t tame our words. But if you are a Christian, God is changing you from the inside out. And he will give you the power to change your words.
Use Your Words to Help People Every Chance You Get
As a Christian God wants you to use your words to help others.
Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Decide to encourage others with your words: in your small group, in your family, and at school.
Discussion Questions:
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- Share an example of how someone’s words encouraged you. Or, share an example of how someone’s critical words discouraged you.
- Describe a time when your words got you in trouble with a friend or your parents. Why do we use toxic words even when we know there will be consequences for us?
- Read Ephesians 4:29. How do you know if your words are “good and helpful”?
- How can we apply these principles about our words to what we write on social media?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
