#AdaWisdomChallenge
READ Proverbs 22 (listen). WRITE out one verse and SHARE with someone.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18
Read: Proverbs 12:18
Listen: Proverbs 12
TODAY’S MESSAGE
King Solomon knew the weight of words in every area of life and taught his sons to use wise words. In today’s reading for The Wisdom Challenge, we read his teaching, “One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend” (Proverbs 22:11). When the weight of the nation fell on his shoulders, Solomon may have experienced how “anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up” (Proverbs 12:25).
The Apostle Paul urges us to follow Christ’s example in our words and how we respond to others. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32-5:2). What’s been done for us is so much greater than anything that’s ever been done to us. Jesus Christ demonstrated God’s incredible love for us even though we did nothing to deserve it. When we remember we are deeply loved, we can love others well. Through God’s power, we can respond with the grace given to us through the healing work of Jesus Christ rather than responding out of our wounds. Watch this video clip as Pastor Jeff Manion explains how Christ provides a new way for us to live in relationship to our words.
The roads we take with our words guide our hearts to destinations that can be right and full of life, or that can be damaging and bring death to relationships with others and with God. Over time, these destinations become a part of who we are. Our words can build others up or bring them down. Our words can bring others closer to God or push them away. Every day we choose a way.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Ask God to give you his strength to build others up with your words. Go out of your way to encourage three people today. You could express appreciation to a delivery driver through your window, call a friend to tell them how much they mean to you or video chat with a family member to share what’s great about them.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
