WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.679 This morning, go over to James chapter 1. James chapter 1 this morning, and I'm going to spend a few moments here as we look into God's Word. 00:00:08.679 --> 00:00:15.700 You know, the reality is that words carry a heavy responsibility. 00:00:17.140 --> 00:00:22.500 You know, the Bible reminds us of the impact of things that are spoken, the word itself, 00:00:22.500 --> 00:00:32.060 you know, the power of speech that takes place because the words we speak carry a heavy responsibility attached to them. 00:00:32.920 --> 00:00:39.960 When we understand the necessity of words, because words are one of our primary means of communication, 00:00:40.939 --> 00:00:48.439 of expressing those things that we want to get across to others, and the power of speech, 00:00:48.439 --> 00:00:52.659 I don't know if you've taken time to think about it, the power of speech was seen from the very beginning. 00:00:53.659 --> 00:00:59.199 You know, when you consider in the Scripture, it tells us the very first chapter of the Bible talks about speech. 00:01:00.339 --> 00:01:05.920 It says, and God said, and there was light. 00:01:06.560 --> 00:01:09.159 And God said, there was the sun and the moon. 00:01:10.239 --> 00:01:15.560 You think about what God said, by the Word of God, the world was framed. 00:01:15.560 --> 00:01:19.859 We see from the very beginning of the Scripture the importance of what is said, 00:01:20.219 --> 00:01:24.939 the power of what is said, because words have power behind them. 00:01:25.379 --> 00:01:32.560 And in our culture, even today, this last week, you saw the impact of words and communication. 00:01:34.079 --> 00:01:35.760 Good, bad, and ugly. 00:01:35.939 --> 00:01:37.900 Words carry with them a lot of power. 00:01:39.200 --> 00:01:41.920 And this dynamic of communication, 00:01:41.920 --> 00:01:49.340 and when we understand that why we can't do what God did and create with our words, 00:01:49.900 --> 00:01:54.480 nevertheless, the words we use, our communication is still very powerful, 00:01:55.159 --> 00:01:58.140 because it impacts the world around us. 00:01:58.859 --> 00:02:00.359 It impacts families. 00:02:01.020 --> 00:02:05.299 You know, we've been looking at the impact of things within families and marriages 00:02:05.299 --> 00:02:07.260 in these past few weeks. 00:02:07.260 --> 00:02:11.680 I want you to understand, the words we speak within a marriage not only impact the marriage, 00:02:12.420 --> 00:02:14.120 it impacts the kids. 00:02:15.099 --> 00:02:17.719 It impacts what the kids say to somebody else. 00:02:18.759 --> 00:02:21.460 The snowball effect, you might say, is great. 00:02:22.280 --> 00:02:31.219 The words we use are very powerful things as we confer and communicate those things in our words. 00:02:31.219 --> 00:02:35.599 It's through the words that communication transpires. 00:02:35.819 --> 00:02:40.219 I mean, we see that whether it's written words or verbal words. 00:02:40.340 --> 00:02:42.219 Words are the means of communication. 00:02:42.939 --> 00:02:46.120 And we see that throughout from the very beginning. 00:02:46.620 --> 00:02:51.120 And it tells us Webster's Dictionary defines communication as this. 00:02:51.199 --> 00:02:56.840 It's the act of imparting, conferring, or delivering from one to another. 00:02:56.840 --> 00:03:03.800 As of knowledge, you know, we use words to confer knowledge and information to people. 00:03:04.300 --> 00:03:06.460 Opinion, you know. 00:03:06.840 --> 00:03:09.400 I don't think you have to go very far to find out people have opinions. 00:03:11.319 --> 00:03:15.420 You know, and we express that with words, but also just facts. 00:03:16.500 --> 00:03:17.939 You know, here's the truth. 00:03:18.480 --> 00:03:19.780 Here's what it is, you know. 00:03:20.020 --> 00:03:23.460 We understand there's lots of things in this life that are just facts, you know. 00:03:23.840 --> 00:03:26.759 We understand that it is what it is. 00:03:26.759 --> 00:03:30.539 There's nothing that is going to change that dynamic. 00:03:30.539 --> 00:03:38.519 But when we understand how communication impacts relationships at the very core level, 00:03:38.599 --> 00:03:42.639 starting within the marriage of two people, a man and a woman, 00:03:42.879 --> 00:03:46.039 and the communication is important. 00:03:46.359 --> 00:03:49.919 Or even in our other relationships, those parents' communication to their children. 00:03:49.919 --> 00:03:55.019 You know, they're learning, they're teaching, they're forming opinions, 00:03:55.219 --> 00:03:58.279 they're forming their mindset of the world. 00:03:59.619 --> 00:04:01.919 But our words don't just impact relationships. 00:04:02.759 --> 00:04:05.379 I want you to understand your words impact your testimony. 00:04:05.919 --> 00:04:08.179 Your words impact your testimony. 00:04:08.180 --> 00:04:14.540 Because if you say that you love God, what you say impacts that testimony. 00:04:15.340 --> 00:04:20.000 It impacts how it is perceived by others, how it is understood by others, 00:04:20.400 --> 00:04:22.800 how it's reacted to. 00:04:23.180 --> 00:04:27.300 Because words are a powerful thing and tool that God gives us. 00:04:27.300 --> 00:04:34.340 Because how and what we communicate sets the tone of relationships. 00:04:35.300 --> 00:04:39.040 The means of communication sets a tone in a relationship. 00:04:39.460 --> 00:04:42.960 Of how people communicate back and forth. 00:04:43.180 --> 00:04:47.600 And it's either calms or creates conflict. 00:04:47.600 --> 00:04:54.000 It's either warm or it becomes weary. 00:04:54.280 --> 00:04:58.740 It's either understanding or it becomes unbearable. 00:05:00.480 --> 00:05:06.460 Words have extreme impacts upon us. 00:05:06.740 --> 00:05:10.700 You know, when we understand the importance of what we say, 00:05:11.240 --> 00:05:12.860 one has said this, he says, 00:05:12.860 --> 00:05:16.259 We ought to think about everything you speak, 00:05:16.680 --> 00:05:19.020 but speak not all that you think. 00:05:19.680 --> 00:05:23.180 Thoughts are your own and your words are not so no more. 00:05:24.780 --> 00:05:25.080 You know? 00:05:26.000 --> 00:05:29.280 One of the things we need to learn today is just because you think it 00:05:29.280 --> 00:05:30.600 doesn't mean you need to say it. 00:05:32.360 --> 00:05:37.379 Words need to be chosen of what is said. 00:05:38.000 --> 00:05:41.240 When we see the importance within the scripture here, 00:05:41.240 --> 00:05:46.160 this morning, James gives us some insight into communication. 00:05:46.340 --> 00:05:49.819 Some practical advice about our communication. 00:05:50.199 --> 00:05:54.019 Because it applies to our interactions with people, 00:05:54.379 --> 00:05:57.879 but especially within relationships that are personal. 00:05:58.699 --> 00:06:00.019 And especially marriages. 00:06:00.420 --> 00:06:05.379 And you know, it's hard to express how important proper communication is 00:06:05.379 --> 00:06:06.519 in a relationship. 00:06:07.139 --> 00:06:08.379 Especially in a marriage. 00:06:08.379 --> 00:06:10.579 Because it's between a husband and a wife. 00:06:10.579 --> 00:06:14.279 That communication impacts how their children communicate. 00:06:14.800 --> 00:06:17.240 Which impacts generations to come. 00:06:18.419 --> 00:06:20.939 When we see this picture, but take a look here. 00:06:20.959 --> 00:06:23.060 If you found James chapter 1 this morning, 00:06:23.399 --> 00:06:26.439 let's stand together in the reading of God's Word here today. 00:06:26.799 --> 00:06:32.219 And we find here that James tells us simply this. 00:06:32.279 --> 00:06:32.639 He says, 00:06:32.639 --> 00:06:47.740 Let's pray. 00:06:47.740 --> 00:06:54.539 Heavenly Fathers, we take a few moments here this morning to look into the reality of communication. 00:06:54.540 --> 00:06:56.460 The words that we use. 00:06:57.020 --> 00:06:59.439 Lord, how we ought to receive them. 00:06:59.720 --> 00:07:02.200 How we ought to communicate those responses. 00:07:03.200 --> 00:07:07.439 Lord, how we ought to form our thinking in regard to our communication. 00:07:08.240 --> 00:07:12.340 Lord, I pray this would work upon each heart, each life here today to understand 00:07:12.340 --> 00:07:16.960 the necessity and what power we have in words. 00:07:16.959 --> 00:07:19.159 And even the power that words have upon them. 00:07:19.639 --> 00:07:27.039 And Lord, as we might understand your order of how to properly put these things into practice 00:07:27.039 --> 00:07:28.319 in our life. 00:07:28.699 --> 00:07:31.259 And Lord, we just ask your hand upon these things today. 00:07:31.359 --> 00:07:33.500 And Lord, we just give you all the praise and glory and honor. 00:07:33.599 --> 00:07:34.459 In Jesus' name. 00:07:35.240 --> 00:07:35.679 Amen. 00:07:35.680 --> 00:07:36.400 You may be seated. 00:07:38.079 --> 00:07:43.480 You know, as we see here, James is writing to believers about their communication. 00:07:44.160 --> 00:07:46.079 Their communication with others. 00:07:46.720 --> 00:07:49.740 And he's also directly comparing this passage. 00:07:49.980 --> 00:07:53.259 Oftentimes we apply it practically to us. 00:07:53.500 --> 00:07:58.579 But I want you to understand the application of this passage really applies first directly 00:07:58.579 --> 00:07:59.620 to the Word of God. 00:08:00.019 --> 00:08:02.899 To hear what God has to say about something. 00:08:02.899 --> 00:08:07.239 You know, to hear and to understand what God's Word has put forth. 00:08:07.659 --> 00:08:13.359 Because oftentimes we're more anxious to try to tell God what he might have meant instead 00:08:13.359 --> 00:08:14.759 of saying, God, what did you mean? 00:08:15.359 --> 00:08:17.299 What did you want us to apply? 00:08:17.620 --> 00:08:20.799 And how do you want us to understand this? 00:08:20.919 --> 00:08:23.179 What are you communicating to us? 00:08:23.339 --> 00:08:30.879 And we see here that he's applying this practically in our lives, principally to the Word of God, 00:08:30.879 --> 00:08:34.139 but also in our communication to others. 00:08:34.659 --> 00:08:36.820 Especially as we interact with others. 00:08:37.019 --> 00:08:42.519 It's because when we understand this by the Bible that God has communicated his plan to redo us. 00:08:42.840 --> 00:08:45.120 Without the Scripture, we wouldn't know how to be saved. 00:08:46.639 --> 00:08:48.840 That communication is important. 00:08:48.939 --> 00:08:52.879 Just like our communication with others is so critical. 00:08:52.879 --> 00:09:00.220 And what it means we need to listen and understand before we respond. 00:09:00.299 --> 00:09:04.500 Look at the first thing that he points out here in verse 19. 00:09:05.120 --> 00:09:05.580 He says, 00:09:05.759 --> 00:09:08.460 My beloved brethren, let every man be what? 00:09:08.600 --> 00:09:10.559 Swift to hear. 00:09:11.299 --> 00:09:12.439 To be swift to hear. 00:09:12.500 --> 00:09:13.580 To be quick to hear. 00:09:14.279 --> 00:09:16.299 Because the reality is this. 00:09:16.460 --> 00:09:18.340 Listening cultivates understanding. 00:09:18.340 --> 00:09:22.780 It helps us to grab a hold of what is important. 00:09:22.920 --> 00:09:24.740 Those elements in that. 00:09:24.940 --> 00:09:30.360 And we see here that listening is not something though we naturally like to do. 00:09:31.780 --> 00:09:34.060 You know, listening is not natural to us. 00:09:35.139 --> 00:09:38.680 Because by nature, we want to express our opinion. 00:09:39.660 --> 00:09:41.360 We want to push our thought. 00:09:41.480 --> 00:09:43.000 We want to push what we think. 00:09:44.660 --> 00:09:46.960 Listening is important. 00:09:46.960 --> 00:09:47.860 It's critical. 00:09:47.860 --> 00:09:51.720 And he says that we ought to be swift to hear. 00:09:51.980 --> 00:09:52.740 To be quick. 00:09:53.060 --> 00:09:55.920 In other words, that would be the first thing that would come to mind. 00:09:56.000 --> 00:09:57.019 To train our minds. 00:09:57.080 --> 00:09:59.960 To say, I want to hear what's being communicated. 00:10:00.519 --> 00:10:03.720 Because communication is critical. 00:10:03.900 --> 00:10:05.879 Especially within a marriage. 00:10:06.420 --> 00:10:08.980 Communication is often hard. 00:10:09.080 --> 00:10:13.860 Because many times, I think, the problem with marriages sometimes. 00:10:13.860 --> 00:10:17.919 As young people, we build relationships on activities. 00:10:18.480 --> 00:10:18.919 Busyness. 00:10:20.200 --> 00:10:21.800 We like hanging out together. 00:10:22.039 --> 00:10:22.820 That's good. 00:10:23.539 --> 00:10:24.800 Because I'm a firm proponent. 00:10:24.860 --> 00:10:27.060 You ought to want to hang out with the person you get married to. 00:10:28.740 --> 00:10:29.580 It helps. 00:10:30.399 --> 00:10:32.340 All the people who have been married a while all chuckled. 00:10:32.340 --> 00:10:40.620 But I want you to understand, it's hard because sometimes it's built on busyness and not communication. 00:10:41.980 --> 00:10:48.660 They haven't really talked about or spoken about what they really believe or been honest with one another. 00:10:48.659 --> 00:10:53.100 Honesty is part of communication. 00:10:53.899 --> 00:10:56.179 And listening to what the other one's saying. 00:10:56.279 --> 00:11:01.899 Because when they get married, they find out quickly they need to understand how to communicate. 00:11:02.179 --> 00:11:03.360 Because life changes. 00:11:03.480 --> 00:11:06.559 Now you have all sorts of processes and priorities. 00:11:07.219 --> 00:11:08.559 You say, preacher, what are you talking about? 00:11:08.659 --> 00:11:10.899 Well, it comes down to simple things like who's going to pay the bills? 00:11:12.159 --> 00:11:13.419 Communication is important. 00:11:14.279 --> 00:11:15.759 You know, who's going to take out the trash? 00:11:15.759 --> 00:11:20.419 You know, don't take out the trash and find out what happens to communication. 00:11:20.860 --> 00:11:21.700 You know, we can chuckle. 00:11:21.899 --> 00:11:24.840 But, you know, really communication is the most basic level. 00:11:25.159 --> 00:11:30.620 It's a basic building block of our relationships one with another. 00:11:32.139 --> 00:11:41.259 You know, when you have the need to love and respect each other, it's through listening and communicating that you get those things in order. 00:11:41.360 --> 00:11:42.720 You must take time to listen. 00:11:42.840 --> 00:11:43.879 You must be intentional. 00:11:43.879 --> 00:11:44.899 You know? 00:11:45.759 --> 00:11:46.439 Think about it. 00:11:46.439 --> 00:11:52.700 Even in the scripture, Jesus points out the importance of wanting to listen even in the midst of busyness. 00:11:52.779 --> 00:11:54.500 Look over to Luke chapter 10 this morning. 00:11:55.120 --> 00:11:56.120 Luke chapter 10. 00:11:56.460 --> 00:12:01.039 We find over here in Luke chapter 10 that there's a story about two sisters. 00:12:02.600 --> 00:12:03.679 Mary and Martha. 00:12:03.799 --> 00:12:07.200 And I want you to note something here that we'll find in this passage. 00:12:07.200 --> 00:12:16.100 Because we find that the one sister gets mad at the other sister and begins to communicate negatively over the fact that the one sister wants to listen. 00:12:16.100 --> 00:12:17.580 But she wants activity. 00:12:17.940 --> 00:12:19.420 She wants busyness. 00:12:19.419 --> 00:12:22.319 Now, I want you to understand, there's things that need to be done. 00:12:22.459 --> 00:12:23.879 But notice the Bible tells us what? 00:12:23.939 --> 00:12:25.219 To be swift. 00:12:25.360 --> 00:12:26.120 To do what? 00:12:27.159 --> 00:12:27.599 Hear. 00:12:27.879 --> 00:12:30.699 When we understand what's happening, notice here in verse 39. 00:12:30.700 --> 00:12:41.560 Notice where she was. 00:12:41.559 --> 00:12:45.619 She was sitting at Jesus' feet to do what? 00:12:45.959 --> 00:12:46.419 To hear. 00:12:48.299 --> 00:12:50.939 To see what Jesus had to say. 00:12:51.739 --> 00:12:54.619 But Martha was cumbered about with much serving and came in and said, 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:59.019 Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? 00:12:59.440 --> 00:13:01.200 Bid her therefore that she help me. 00:13:01.980 --> 00:13:04.139 Now, there's some communication from family, right? 00:13:05.659 --> 00:13:07.299 That's good sibling communication. 00:13:08.700 --> 00:13:10.700 But notice Jesus' response. 00:13:10.820 --> 00:13:11.080 He says, 00:13:11.080 --> 00:13:17.120 Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things, but one thing is needful. 00:13:18.700 --> 00:13:20.519 What's the needful connected to? 00:13:22.399 --> 00:13:22.879 Hearing. 00:13:22.879 --> 00:13:27.620 She needed to know and to find out what she needed before she did. 00:13:28.240 --> 00:13:28.460 You know? 00:13:30.240 --> 00:13:35.340 It says, Mary hath chosen the good part which shall not be taken away from her. 00:13:35.419 --> 00:13:40.659 You know, when it comes to listening, listening to the Word of God and what God has said 00:13:40.659 --> 00:13:44.220 is the most important thing we can do in life. 00:13:46.759 --> 00:13:52.039 When we know that that's the critical element because you need to ask yourself, 00:13:52.039 --> 00:13:53.179 you know, how is your hearing? 00:13:53.279 --> 00:13:54.179 How is your listening? 00:13:54.620 --> 00:13:58.199 Is that what you want to do first or what comes later? 00:13:58.519 --> 00:14:04.500 That idea of communication is essential and many problems can be resolved when we listen. 00:14:05.079 --> 00:14:07.039 Are you listening to understand? 00:14:08.599 --> 00:14:11.219 Now, I'll hit the other side of that because you have two choices. 00:14:11.339 --> 00:14:15.259 You either listen to understand or you listen to respond. 00:14:15.259 --> 00:14:20.340 You know, most of us, by nature, love to listen to it so we can get our response ready. 00:14:20.620 --> 00:14:22.159 I'm just as guilty as the rest of you. 00:14:22.399 --> 00:14:30.460 But you have to form your thinking to say, I want to listen, to understand, and hear what the other person... 00:14:30.460 --> 00:14:36.159 You know, when you hear what the other person has to say, it helps you formulate the right response. 00:14:36.159 --> 00:14:45.079 To understand what is appropriate, what is needful at this moment, and not just what you're spewing past one another. 00:14:45.860 --> 00:14:51.339 You know, one of the problems with social media today, it's to the point, I don't even ever respond on social media. 00:14:51.699 --> 00:14:56.159 But the one thing I've noticed that always stands out is people scream past one another. 00:14:56.579 --> 00:14:58.659 Nobody ever really communicates that. 00:14:58.659 --> 00:15:04.480 They're spending time making my point and never paying attention to what the other person's really saying. 00:15:04.559 --> 00:15:11.740 They have all their little quips and responses, you know, of names they call one another and all the different dynamics. 00:15:11.939 --> 00:15:13.059 But you know what the biggest problem is? 00:15:13.079 --> 00:15:13.699 Nobody's listening. 00:15:15.579 --> 00:15:16.439 Everybody's speaking. 00:15:18.319 --> 00:15:19.199 Nobody's hearing. 00:15:21.199 --> 00:15:26.860 The problem with that is now it transposes over into our actual relationships. 00:15:26.860 --> 00:15:37.080 Where people are talking past one another instead of taking time to be swift, to be quick, to hear. 00:15:37.500 --> 00:15:41.940 Not for the purpose of responding, but to understand. 00:15:42.759 --> 00:15:45.100 To understand what's being said. 00:15:45.580 --> 00:15:47.580 You know, we need to understand the essential. 00:15:47.740 --> 00:15:49.860 It's essential to prioritize listening. 00:15:50.659 --> 00:15:52.440 Be swift to hear. 00:15:52.659 --> 00:15:55.060 That word swift carries with it a priority. 00:15:55.059 --> 00:16:00.859 In other words, it says this is where I want to go to quickly as soon as it starts. 00:16:02.459 --> 00:16:06.319 That's the dynamic that we see, but we also need to be slow to speak. 00:16:07.419 --> 00:16:09.699 Those two go together because you know what happens? 00:16:09.739 --> 00:16:11.000 When you're talking, you can't hear. 00:16:11.319 --> 00:16:12.639 We like to think we can. 00:16:12.879 --> 00:16:13.919 I'm a great multitasker. 00:16:14.319 --> 00:16:15.239 No, you know what's happening? 00:16:15.379 --> 00:16:17.819 You're hearing words, but you're not processing. 00:16:17.820 --> 00:16:24.600 You're processing things, but we need to be slow to speak to choose your words wisely. 00:16:25.940 --> 00:16:30.860 You know, one of the biggest things we need to do is understand the power of words. 00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:36.899 You know, I found a little saying I thought fit this pretty good. 00:16:36.980 --> 00:16:42.039 It says this, it has been said that we need to be sure to taste our words before we spit them out. 00:16:42.240 --> 00:16:43.919 I'm like, wow, that's a powerful thought. 00:16:44.120 --> 00:16:45.740 Because words can be very bitter. 00:16:47.180 --> 00:16:48.180 Words can be angry. 00:16:48.179 --> 00:16:56.359 But our words ought to serve a purpose to love and to build others up, to deal with the issue at hand. 00:16:57.699 --> 00:17:03.939 Because what I'm saying here is not that every conversation is going to be easy, but that our words need to be measured. 00:17:04.759 --> 00:17:07.980 Our words need to be intentional of what we're saying. 00:17:08.139 --> 00:17:09.799 Turn to Colossians chapter 4. 00:17:10.460 --> 00:17:13.000 Colossians chapter 4 and look at verse 6 here. 00:17:14.379 --> 00:17:15.700 God's word tells us this, 00:17:15.700 --> 00:17:26.660 It says, let your speech be always seasoned with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man. 00:17:26.960 --> 00:17:29.440 Now we understand the principle here. 00:17:31.039 --> 00:17:35.799 Because the principle goes to that which we eat or taste. 00:17:36.000 --> 00:17:37.819 Have you ever realized how important salt is? 00:17:38.160 --> 00:17:40.920 Salt is a powerful dynamic on food. 00:17:40.920 --> 00:17:43.960 Have you ever had something that's supposed to have salt in it and didn't have salt? 00:17:45.700 --> 00:17:51.100 A lack of salt makes something unpalatable. 00:17:51.559 --> 00:17:55.480 But on the same token, too much salt quickly makes something unpalatable. 00:17:55.819 --> 00:17:57.299 It says seasoned. 00:17:58.559 --> 00:18:01.039 When you season something, what's your objective? 00:18:02.779 --> 00:18:05.440 You know, all the cooks in here, when you season something, what's your objective? 00:18:05.519 --> 00:18:06.080 Is to do what? 00:18:06.420 --> 00:18:09.600 It's to get the right balance. 00:18:09.599 --> 00:18:13.839 So the flavor is palatable. 00:18:16.059 --> 00:18:16.459 Enjoyable. 00:18:18.159 --> 00:18:22.299 It's a means in which we can grab a hold of that. 00:18:22.419 --> 00:18:30.759 And so we need to really realize the importance of what I, that saying that I had has been said that we need to be sure to taste our words before you spit them out. 00:18:31.099 --> 00:18:31.459 You know what? 00:18:31.480 --> 00:18:36.000 If you taste them and swirl them around a little bit before you spit them out, you'll find out how they're seasoned. 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:38.680 Have you ever noticed a cook? 00:18:39.420 --> 00:18:40.880 What do they do before they serve it? 00:18:40.940 --> 00:18:45.019 The first thing they do is like, they taste it. 00:18:46.599 --> 00:18:47.819 Why are they tasting it? 00:18:47.819 --> 00:18:52.039 To make sure what they're putting out is seasoned correctly. 00:18:52.539 --> 00:18:57.099 So the importance of seizing, to be slow to speak, to choose our words wisely. 00:18:57.099 --> 00:19:06.319 What we say, especially in response to what others have spoken or not even had a chance to speak, we speak quickly. 00:19:07.000 --> 00:19:09.199 And it's usually the problem with quick speech. 00:19:09.639 --> 00:19:11.619 It's often reactionary. 00:19:12.019 --> 00:19:12.719 We react. 00:19:13.059 --> 00:19:18.779 And reactionary speech often escalates the tension. 00:19:18.779 --> 00:19:26.160 Where wise and kind words help to diffuse tension and conflict. 00:19:27.000 --> 00:19:29.240 Look over to Proverbs chapter 15. 00:19:29.779 --> 00:19:31.200 Proverbs chapter 15. 00:19:31.319 --> 00:19:35.859 Notice what the word of God tells us here in application to this proper seasoning. 00:19:36.200 --> 00:19:38.079 It tells us this in verse 1. 00:19:38.319 --> 00:19:39.019 It's very clear. 00:19:39.139 --> 00:19:39.339 It says, 00:19:39.339 --> 00:19:50.959 That's pretty key, isn't it? 00:19:52.379 --> 00:19:54.619 Because the opposite can also be true. 00:19:54.759 --> 00:19:56.699 People can use knowledge wrongly. 00:19:57.000 --> 00:19:58.799 They can twist and they can manipulate. 00:19:59.299 --> 00:20:00.759 What we speak is important. 00:20:01.659 --> 00:20:02.259 But notice this. 00:20:02.259 --> 00:20:09.400 But the mouth of the fools, I like this, poureth out foolishness. 00:20:09.559 --> 00:20:09.920 You know what? 00:20:09.920 --> 00:20:15.480 There's a lot of people when you listen to them, it's like you just have to walk away because you say there's a fool. 00:20:17.500 --> 00:20:18.180 How do you know? 00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:22.640 Because of the multitudes of words they spoke that they said nothing. 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:24.700 Or it was with vitriol and hatred. 00:20:24.700 --> 00:20:32.840 Words are powerful things and God desires for us to use our words to bring others closer to him. 00:20:33.160 --> 00:20:39.059 First in the knowledge of salvation and then to grow up and mature in the truth. 00:20:40.559 --> 00:20:44.279 You know, words are what build us and mature us in truth. 00:20:44.480 --> 00:20:47.660 Whether it's the word of God or it's the encouragement of others. 00:20:49.180 --> 00:20:51.720 Look over to Ephesians chapter 4 for a moment. 00:20:51.720 --> 00:20:55.019 Ephesians 4 you'll find here in verse 13. 00:20:55.500 --> 00:20:59.960 Here's a familiar passage, but I want you to understand the application here. 00:21:00.740 --> 00:21:02.299 Notice what it tells us here. 00:21:02.660 --> 00:21:02.920 It says, 00:21:03.039 --> 00:21:10.720 Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man. 00:21:10.720 --> 00:21:13.360 That means complete or full. 00:21:13.860 --> 00:21:16.940 Under the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. 00:21:17.839 --> 00:21:20.940 That we henceforth be no more children. 00:21:21.720 --> 00:21:27.680 Tossed to and fro, carried about with every wind of doctrine by the slight of men and cunning craftiness, 00:21:28.059 --> 00:21:30.380 whereby they lie in wait to deceive. 00:21:32.200 --> 00:21:32.759 You know what? 00:21:32.759 --> 00:21:34.920 There's a lot of people who speak words that deceive. 00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:38.259 But notice what it says. 00:21:38.440 --> 00:21:39.299 But speaking. 00:21:40.680 --> 00:21:41.860 How is this done? 00:21:41.859 --> 00:21:56.939 How do people mature by what's spoken or taught to them? 00:21:56.940 --> 00:22:07.820 That conference of communication, of information, of understanding of facts and opinions and the things of this world that we need to grab a hold of. 00:22:08.220 --> 00:22:08.620 Knowledge. 00:22:10.220 --> 00:22:12.700 And essentially the knowledge of salvation. 00:22:12.860 --> 00:22:14.539 You know, that's the most important thing you can know. 00:22:14.820 --> 00:22:22.600 Have you ever stopped to consider that you can leave this world and know only one thing and be good. 00:22:22.599 --> 00:22:29.240 When you know that Jesus Christ came and died for your sin and you've called upon him to save you. 00:22:29.339 --> 00:22:34.219 If you knew nothing else in this life, it wouldn't matter. 00:22:36.319 --> 00:22:41.259 Because when you get to heaven, you're going to have a test of science. 00:22:41.519 --> 00:22:44.639 You know, of how is it, you know, what's your opinion of how the earth made us? 00:22:44.719 --> 00:22:46.839 Like that'd be a silly questionnaire anyways in heaven. 00:22:47.159 --> 00:22:48.359 God's saying I already told you. 00:22:48.359 --> 00:22:50.819 At least it'd be an open book test. 00:22:51.139 --> 00:22:55.240 But the only thing that's going to matter to get there is your understanding and knowledge of who Christ is. 00:22:56.500 --> 00:22:57.519 And what he's done. 00:22:58.539 --> 00:23:03.059 The most important knowledge you can confer to somebody is who Jesus is. 00:23:03.299 --> 00:23:07.299 And when we understand that, that there's, that he wants, that's the most critical. 00:23:07.699 --> 00:23:11.799 But we also understand there's other things involved that support that. 00:23:12.019 --> 00:23:14.599 And to build us up and not to tear down. 00:23:14.599 --> 00:23:20.279 But when we are quick to answer, it's often not the right answer. 00:23:20.619 --> 00:23:23.679 Because neither does it communicate truth. 00:23:25.099 --> 00:23:27.379 We need to measure our words. 00:23:27.599 --> 00:23:28.899 We need to taste them. 00:23:29.359 --> 00:23:33.199 The seasoning on them to say is it beneficial to both parties. 00:23:34.639 --> 00:23:38.559 You know, a soft word that's fitly spoken is so much more beneficial. 00:23:38.559 --> 00:23:44.119 Now, the next verse I got here, most of the kids in here probably could quote to you. 00:23:44.720 --> 00:23:46.419 If they came up through wise guys. 00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:48.039 They'll go to Proverbs 25, 11. 00:23:48.960 --> 00:23:52.919 You know, here's some of the good things that when the kids do the kids program on Wednesday. 00:23:53.319 --> 00:23:55.559 I'm going to put a plug in here. 00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:58.440 They learn character. 00:23:58.559 --> 00:24:00.419 And one of the character things they learn is this. 00:24:00.500 --> 00:24:02.099 A word fitly spoken is what? 00:24:02.220 --> 00:24:06.740 Like apples of gold in pictures of silver. 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:09.240 A word fitly spoken. 00:24:09.359 --> 00:24:12.559 That's part of what the kids get taught on Wednesday night. 00:24:13.400 --> 00:24:18.599 They get taught things of application, of understanding the importance of words. 00:24:18.720 --> 00:24:19.160 Character. 00:24:19.579 --> 00:24:22.579 It supplements your communication to your children already. 00:24:24.240 --> 00:24:25.779 That's the purpose behind this. 00:24:25.799 --> 00:24:28.440 Not teaching them new information, but supporting information. 00:24:29.660 --> 00:24:30.640 Builds them up. 00:24:30.700 --> 00:24:33.759 I want you to see the picture here this morning. 00:24:33.759 --> 00:24:42.420 And even if we have an example in the scripture, I believe, of this same principle being put into play. 00:24:43.980 --> 00:24:53.220 You know, 1 Samuel chapter 25 tells about a man named Nabal who was married to a woman named Abigail. 00:24:53.759 --> 00:25:01.500 And the story there in 1 Samuel chapter 25 is the epitome of what we're talking about here of measured speech. 00:25:01.500 --> 00:25:03.700 Her husband is said to be a fool. 00:25:05.299 --> 00:25:06.339 Why is he a fool? 00:25:06.420 --> 00:25:10.200 Because he spoke a response before understanding the circumstances. 00:25:11.019 --> 00:25:13.579 Before understanding what was taking place. 00:25:13.980 --> 00:25:15.900 He spoke it to David's men. 00:25:16.240 --> 00:25:20.240 I want you to understand, he spoke without considering the facts. 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:23.619 And understanding the situation. 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:28.920 And was about to bring something detrimental upon his family. 00:25:28.920 --> 00:25:33.620 You can go back this afternoon and read 1 Samuel chapter 25. 00:25:33.900 --> 00:25:35.380 But let's just give a little highlight here. 00:25:35.519 --> 00:25:37.980 Because notice here in 1 Samuel 25, 32. 00:25:38.539 --> 00:25:39.980 And David said to Abigail, 00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:44.580 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me. 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:48.539 And blessed be, look at this, be thy advice. 00:25:50.300 --> 00:25:51.320 You know what happened? 00:25:51.319 --> 00:26:09.899 David was coming to wipe the family out. 00:26:10.299 --> 00:26:16.000 Now we don't have time to get into all the details of why and the what's of all that this morning. 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:18.859 That's a whole other message to itself. 00:26:20.140 --> 00:26:22.200 But I want you to see the principle here. 00:26:22.319 --> 00:26:23.079 What took place? 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:27.839 A wise person spoke words seasoned with salt. 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:31.099 Spoke the truth in love. 00:26:31.960 --> 00:26:34.319 And saved her family. 00:26:34.579 --> 00:26:36.279 Even though her husband was a fool. 00:26:36.640 --> 00:26:39.460 Her thoughtful, wise words brought peace. 00:26:39.779 --> 00:26:42.500 You know, I want you to consider when you speak to your spouse. 00:26:42.500 --> 00:26:43.720 When you speak to your children. 00:26:43.839 --> 00:26:45.000 When you speak to your neighbor. 00:26:45.140 --> 00:26:48.099 When you speak to someone that disagrees with you. 00:26:48.539 --> 00:26:50.319 Are your words wise words? 00:26:50.599 --> 00:26:51.759 Words of understanding? 00:26:52.460 --> 00:26:53.440 Words of truth? 00:26:54.000 --> 00:26:55.859 Words that have been seasoned properly? 00:26:56.220 --> 00:26:57.720 Or are they critical words? 00:26:59.259 --> 00:27:00.319 Destructive words? 00:27:01.660 --> 00:27:02.599 Reactionary words? 00:27:02.920 --> 00:27:04.920 Remember, words are powerful things. 00:27:04.920 --> 00:27:10.259 And we need to be intentional in what we say. 00:27:10.740 --> 00:27:13.860 Slow to speak. 00:27:14.120 --> 00:27:15.519 Why do we need to slow it down? 00:27:17.019 --> 00:27:20.100 Because in other words, you say something you can't take back. 00:27:20.400 --> 00:27:25.860 You know, words are something that once they come out, you can apologize for them. 00:27:25.920 --> 00:27:29.080 You can try to work through them, but you can't take them back. 00:27:29.360 --> 00:27:29.980 They're out there. 00:27:30.200 --> 00:27:32.680 They're out there in the lives of who you spoke them to. 00:27:32.980 --> 00:27:34.360 Our speech is important. 00:27:34.359 --> 00:27:36.659 Notice the next part of the passage here. 00:27:37.879 --> 00:27:38.179 He says, 00:27:38.299 --> 00:27:45.359 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. 00:27:45.559 --> 00:27:46.679 Be slow to anger. 00:27:47.039 --> 00:27:49.179 You know, we ought to respond with grace. 00:27:49.559 --> 00:27:54.159 You know, I want you to understand everything should not stir hostility and anger within you. 00:27:54.439 --> 00:27:58.619 You know, we're in a culture today where people love to stir people to hostility. 00:27:58.859 --> 00:28:00.799 As a believer, we need to be measured. 00:28:00.799 --> 00:28:05.659 I want you to understand, for everything there is a season. 00:28:07.379 --> 00:28:11.319 The scripture is clear about there are seasons that certain actions need to be taken. 00:28:11.779 --> 00:28:15.019 Solomon tells us there's a time for war and there's a time for peace. 00:28:15.019 --> 00:28:20.259 You can read Ecclesiastes 3 spills out all sorts of seasons that are contrasting one another. 00:28:22.000 --> 00:28:30.200 But somebody that's measured understands what season it is and what's needful and appropriate in the light of God's word. 00:28:30.200 --> 00:28:33.779 To understand the essentials of it. 00:28:33.880 --> 00:28:36.259 Because everything shouldn't just stir it up. 00:28:36.319 --> 00:28:43.480 It's easy to stir things up and to bring anger and wrath into something. 00:28:43.580 --> 00:28:45.080 Oftentimes people have been hurt. 00:28:45.400 --> 00:28:46.980 And you know what happens when people get hurt? 00:28:47.140 --> 00:28:50.140 They lash out with their tongue before they think. 00:28:50.360 --> 00:28:52.140 They become reactionary. 00:28:52.140 --> 00:28:54.680 And the biggest thing they need to do. 00:28:54.740 --> 00:29:02.360 If you've been hurt, you're essentially very important, critical to slow down. 00:29:02.640 --> 00:29:04.440 Not say what you shouldn't say. 00:29:04.660 --> 00:29:07.500 Because it's a reaction to how you feel at the moment. 00:29:08.020 --> 00:29:12.340 Anger can often be brought about because of unforgiveness. 00:29:12.780 --> 00:29:14.440 You know, people react with anger. 00:29:14.900 --> 00:29:17.220 They're quick to anger because of unforgiveness. 00:29:17.360 --> 00:29:18.840 You don't know what they did to me. 00:29:18.840 --> 00:29:20.640 You can go back and listen to last week. 00:29:20.740 --> 00:29:21.700 We talked about forgiveness. 00:29:22.140 --> 00:29:24.400 Forgiveness plays into our communication. 00:29:24.860 --> 00:29:32.160 Because wrath here, the word wrath, is that excitement of mind that manifests in uncontrolled anger. 00:29:33.560 --> 00:29:38.640 In other words, it's a stirring of your mind that over-supersedes everything else. 00:29:39.060 --> 00:29:40.460 Wrath happens very quickly. 00:29:40.820 --> 00:29:44.280 That's the problem with it is the fact that it overpowers us. 00:29:44.340 --> 00:29:45.920 It overpowers our responses. 00:29:45.920 --> 00:29:51.700 It overpowers our thinking because we become reactionary and not swift to hear. 00:29:52.140 --> 00:29:54.660 We want to club somebody else with our words. 00:29:55.020 --> 00:29:56.620 Notice Proverbs 15, 18. 00:29:56.759 --> 00:29:58.000 The word of God says this, 00:29:58.060 --> 00:30:04.240 A wrathful man stirreth up strife, but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. 00:30:04.240 --> 00:30:11.140 Now, I want you to understand that you can do everything right with your words and some people are still going to be angry. 00:30:12.160 --> 00:30:13.720 Sometimes there's still going to be strife. 00:30:13.819 --> 00:30:14.740 There's going to be friction. 00:30:16.160 --> 00:30:18.920 Because remember, communication also involves opinion. 00:30:19.339 --> 00:30:22.000 If you've lived very long, you'll learn that not everybody agrees with you. 00:30:22.000 --> 00:30:26.180 Let me give you a little clue. 00:30:26.839 --> 00:30:33.559 If we played clips of you 10 years ago, you might find out you don't agree with yourself today. 00:30:35.299 --> 00:30:38.359 Matter of fact, some of us might go so far, I don't agree with myself yesterday. 00:30:38.720 --> 00:30:42.980 And sometimes we ought not to agree with ourself yesterday because maybe you were swift to speak. 00:30:42.980 --> 00:30:46.940 Instead of being swift to hear. 00:30:48.819 --> 00:30:50.920 To grab a hold of what's happening. 00:30:52.279 --> 00:30:58.980 Anger, wrath that is not controlled leads to destructive outcomes that tear apart relationships. 00:30:59.940 --> 00:31:03.900 The need to control our emotion and deal with it at the root. 00:31:03.900 --> 00:31:09.120 But uncontrolled anger will lead to unintended consequences. 00:31:11.200 --> 00:31:13.820 You know, Numbers 20 gives us a great example of this. 00:31:15.120 --> 00:31:16.740 Moses was a man of God. 00:31:16.780 --> 00:31:21.340 A man that God chose to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:24.000 But you know what? 00:31:24.000 --> 00:31:28.140 Moses got caught up in his anger. 00:31:29.259 --> 00:31:32.500 And let his anger dictate his reaction. 00:31:32.500 --> 00:31:36.859 And there was a consequence because of it. 00:31:37.059 --> 00:31:38.980 We find in Numbers chapter 20. 00:31:39.920 --> 00:31:41.640 Numbers 20, you have Moses. 00:31:41.799 --> 00:31:43.720 And Moses and Aaron, it says, 00:31:44.119 --> 00:31:46.420 gathered the congregation together before the rock. 00:31:46.500 --> 00:31:47.980 Now let me give you a little background there. 00:31:48.299 --> 00:31:51.000 They're in Kadesh and they're without water. 00:31:51.119 --> 00:31:52.119 And the people are mourning. 00:31:52.619 --> 00:31:53.759 They're not mourning. 00:31:54.180 --> 00:31:55.519 They're murmuring. 00:31:56.599 --> 00:31:58.299 It'd be better if they were in mourning. 00:31:59.740 --> 00:32:02.059 They were murmuring and complaining. 00:32:02.500 --> 00:32:03.140 And you know what? 00:32:03.220 --> 00:32:06.960 Sometimes, you know, if you've been around or had to lead anything, 00:32:07.099 --> 00:32:09.000 sometimes you can empathize with Moses here. 00:32:09.240 --> 00:32:14.960 Because what happened is, is Moses let his frustration come out with anger. 00:32:15.339 --> 00:32:16.839 Sometimes things can get frustrating. 00:32:17.200 --> 00:32:19.200 You can get frustrated with the situation. 00:32:19.200 --> 00:32:20.480 Here the people are. 00:32:20.559 --> 00:32:25.779 They're complaining and they're nagging at Moses and Moses, Moses, Moses. 00:32:26.200 --> 00:32:27.400 And they didn't have any water. 00:32:27.500 --> 00:32:29.000 You've sent us out here to die. 00:32:30.759 --> 00:32:32.779 And God says, gather them at the rock. 00:32:34.580 --> 00:32:37.240 And he said unto them, hear now ye rebels. 00:32:38.440 --> 00:32:39.360 That's your first clue. 00:32:39.480 --> 00:32:40.539 Notice this phrase of them. 00:32:40.940 --> 00:32:43.720 Must we fetch you water out of this rock? 00:32:43.720 --> 00:32:47.720 Can you see Moses' attitude stirring up towards the people? 00:32:49.039 --> 00:32:51.180 The frustration and the anger he has. 00:32:51.480 --> 00:32:52.960 Why are we here again? 00:32:53.279 --> 00:32:57.339 If you go back a little bit, you'll find that God had already provided them water out of a rock. 00:32:57.400 --> 00:32:59.819 And Moses was to go up and strike the rock once. 00:33:00.039 --> 00:33:02.480 Now there's a lot of pictures within that. 00:33:02.480 --> 00:33:08.980 But Moses' command here was not to strike the rock this time, but to speak to the rock. 00:33:09.299 --> 00:33:15.319 But Moses in his anger, in his frustration, in his moment of he's just tired. 00:33:15.599 --> 00:33:17.319 Okay, you rebellious people. 00:33:17.720 --> 00:33:19.579 Notice, look down at verse 12. 00:33:19.980 --> 00:33:21.799 And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, 00:33:21.960 --> 00:33:25.960 because you believe me not to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel. 00:33:26.660 --> 00:33:29.779 Therefore you shall not bring this congregation to the land which I have given thee. 00:33:30.240 --> 00:33:31.360 Let me fill in the blanks. 00:33:31.359 --> 00:33:32.740 In between, you know what Moses did? 00:33:33.779 --> 00:33:36.199 He took the rod and struck the rock twice. 00:33:37.740 --> 00:33:38.179 Why? 00:33:38.299 --> 00:33:38.740 In anger. 00:33:38.859 --> 00:33:40.339 Notice what God's response is. 00:33:41.839 --> 00:33:47.399 You did not represent me as I instructed you. 00:33:49.019 --> 00:33:54.959 His frustration and anger hindered his testimony and impacted others. 00:33:54.959 --> 00:33:56.979 It cost him the consequences. 00:33:57.240 --> 00:33:59.439 Moses wasn't able to go into the land. 00:33:59.440 --> 00:34:02.799 God was providing what the people needed, water. 00:34:02.920 --> 00:34:05.559 But even though they were complaining, you know what? 00:34:05.600 --> 00:34:07.000 God still gave grace. 00:34:07.360 --> 00:34:12.559 But Moses was frustrated and allowed his emotions and frustration to gain control. 00:34:13.860 --> 00:34:16.000 He spoke before he thought. 00:34:16.380 --> 00:34:18.420 He did not represent the Lord properly. 00:34:18.539 --> 00:34:22.039 And it changed the way the people saw the Lord. 00:34:22.139 --> 00:34:23.860 Notice what it tells us back in James. 00:34:23.860 --> 00:34:26.240 Look here what it says in verse 20. 00:34:26.380 --> 00:34:26.579 It says, 00:34:26.700 --> 00:34:29.960 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 00:34:30.200 --> 00:34:35.480 Now I want you to understand that the problem here isn't anger itself. 00:34:35.579 --> 00:34:36.840 The Bible's very clear. 00:34:36.840 --> 00:34:39.980 Because there's some things that ought to make us angry. 00:34:41.740 --> 00:34:44.860 That ought to stir you to be angry. 00:34:46.900 --> 00:34:50.000 There's some things that people do to other people that ought to make us angry. 00:34:50.240 --> 00:34:57.720 When you understand the reality of when somebody kills a child in the womb, that ought to make you angry. 00:34:57.719 --> 00:35:02.619 But notice what the Bible tells us. 00:35:02.699 --> 00:35:04.719 Ephesians 4 tells us this in verse 26. 00:35:05.719 --> 00:35:06.039 It says, 00:35:06.299 --> 00:35:07.359 Be angry in what? 00:35:08.839 --> 00:35:09.539 Sin not. 00:35:09.619 --> 00:35:11.559 Notice how James ties this together. 00:35:11.959 --> 00:35:16.019 Because anger, when it's lashing out, becomes wrath. 00:35:16.339 --> 00:35:20.639 It's not just something that impacts you and something that you say this needs to be different. 00:35:21.000 --> 00:35:23.859 But it becomes something I'm going to take my own action about. 00:35:23.860 --> 00:35:28.260 I'm going to respond to it the way I want to respond. 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:31.620 Instead of the way God tells us to respond. 00:35:32.599 --> 00:35:35.039 Or the way that we ought to respond thoughtfully. 00:35:35.400 --> 00:35:37.420 Because notice the last part of this verse is, 00:35:37.620 --> 00:35:39.120 Neither give place to the devil. 00:35:39.200 --> 00:35:39.539 You know what? 00:35:39.579 --> 00:35:42.000 The devil loves to work the wrath of people. 00:35:42.300 --> 00:35:45.140 He uses wrathful people to stir up people. 00:35:45.460 --> 00:35:51.059 If you have any questions, just look at the news cycle for the last four or five days. 00:35:51.059 --> 00:35:53.760 And see how it's playing the roller coaster of anger. 00:35:54.140 --> 00:35:55.300 Playing out in wrath. 00:35:55.620 --> 00:35:57.460 Notice Proverbs 29, 22. 00:35:59.599 --> 00:35:59.980 It says, 00:36:00.120 --> 00:36:05.340 The angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgressions. 00:36:05.620 --> 00:36:08.480 The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 00:36:08.740 --> 00:36:14.280 Just because it stirs you to emotion doesn't mean you need to lash out about it improperly. 00:36:14.420 --> 00:36:16.300 That's measuring our speech. 00:36:16.300 --> 00:36:19.039 Measuring what we do. 00:36:19.460 --> 00:36:19.860 Listening. 00:36:21.640 --> 00:36:27.039 Learning to manage our emotion and respond with grace instead of anger. 00:36:27.160 --> 00:36:27.539 You know what? 00:36:27.640 --> 00:36:29.420 How many relationships that would help? 00:36:29.680 --> 00:36:36.320 You know how many relationships could be restored if people were communicating with grace instead of with anger? 00:36:36.320 --> 00:36:38.559 How many problems could have been resolved? 00:36:38.760 --> 00:36:42.200 Because sometimes people can just make you angry like Moses. 00:36:42.300 --> 00:36:44.140 He got angry because he was frustrated. 00:36:44.440 --> 00:36:47.480 If you hang out with somebody very long, pretty soon they're going to frustrate you. 00:36:47.720 --> 00:36:50.039 There's going to be something happen or something along the way. 00:36:50.260 --> 00:36:51.260 They're going to frustrate you. 00:36:51.280 --> 00:36:52.180 That's just the reality. 00:36:52.179 --> 00:36:55.879 The question is, what are you going to do when it happens? 00:36:57.480 --> 00:36:58.799 How are you going to respond? 00:37:00.460 --> 00:37:02.419 What are you going to do in those moments? 00:37:02.819 --> 00:37:07.279 You know, we've been applying things the last few weeks into relationships with a couple. 00:37:07.399 --> 00:37:11.819 Because even that, when marriage, when you get frustrated with one another, 00:37:11.819 --> 00:37:16.239 you need to communicate the more and have that seasoned conversation. 00:37:18.539 --> 00:37:22.039 Because when you reflect and communicate well, you know what you do? 00:37:22.039 --> 00:37:28.179 You reflect God's wisdom, his love, and his grace, not only to the one you're speaking to, 00:37:28.400 --> 00:37:30.619 but to a lost world around us. 00:37:30.800 --> 00:37:31.940 Because people pay attention. 00:37:32.259 --> 00:37:33.119 People pay attention. 00:37:33.259 --> 00:37:36.380 How does somebody who say they believe in Jesus, how do they respond? 00:37:36.920 --> 00:37:37.539 What are they doing? 00:37:38.659 --> 00:37:41.340 Are they responding with seasoned words? 00:37:42.940 --> 00:37:45.880 Are they just quick to throw out wrath and anger? 00:37:46.139 --> 00:37:47.199 Or are their words measured? 00:37:47.539 --> 00:37:48.920 Are they speaking truth? 00:37:48.920 --> 00:37:52.139 Now, I want you to understand, I'm not talking about not speaking what's right. 00:37:52.420 --> 00:37:57.159 But you can speak what's right without just being totally offensive to somebody. 00:37:57.440 --> 00:37:59.000 That's a measured word. 00:37:59.200 --> 00:38:01.300 And it's something we all need to work on. 00:38:01.599 --> 00:38:05.800 How do we speak appropriately in the situation? 00:38:06.019 --> 00:38:09.180 Because God-honoring communication is a choice. 00:38:09.179 --> 00:38:14.859 And it requires disciplining ourselves and submitting ourselves to the Lord. 00:38:15.119 --> 00:38:18.599 Part of the problem is when we get angry, our submission goes to not the Lord. 00:38:18.699 --> 00:38:19.759 It goes to what we want. 00:38:21.679 --> 00:38:23.419 You know, oftentimes we talk about submission. 00:38:23.559 --> 00:38:24.960 You know, we submit to things all the time. 00:38:25.039 --> 00:38:26.199 You know what happens when anger comes out? 00:38:26.259 --> 00:38:27.339 You're submitting to your anger. 00:38:28.619 --> 00:38:30.099 You're submitting to your emotion. 00:38:30.319 --> 00:38:31.539 It's just submitting to God. 00:38:31.539 --> 00:38:33.659 It's the priority that we place. 00:38:35.759 --> 00:38:40.219 Listening is first the priority. 00:38:40.360 --> 00:38:43.679 To listen first to His instruction, God's instruction. 00:38:45.500 --> 00:38:49.519 You know, this morning, if you know the Lord is your Savior, He's called you to honor Him. 00:38:49.960 --> 00:38:53.759 In your relationships, in your interactions, especially in your marriages, 00:38:53.760 --> 00:38:57.720 we are to listen carefully, to speak thoughtfully, and to control, 00:38:58.820 --> 00:39:03.340 and put our anger in the proper order. 00:39:04.220 --> 00:39:06.060 It says to be angry and what? 00:39:06.220 --> 00:39:06.980 Sin not. 00:39:07.220 --> 00:39:11.620 Are you willing to commit to improving communication with others 00:39:11.620 --> 00:39:14.480 through the principles of God's Word? 00:39:16.080 --> 00:39:18.700 Maybe you're here this morning and you need to respond 00:39:18.700 --> 00:39:22.360 to that first dynamic of God's call, 00:39:22.360 --> 00:39:25.880 a call to recognize His assessment of you, a sinner, 00:39:26.220 --> 00:39:29.820 that has separated yourself from the Lord because of that sin. 00:39:30.200 --> 00:39:32.579 You know, the Bible says the wages of sin is death, 00:39:32.680 --> 00:39:36.340 that eternal separation from the one who gave His life 00:39:36.340 --> 00:39:37.740 as payment for your sin. 00:39:39.260 --> 00:39:39.780 And you know what? 00:39:39.860 --> 00:39:43.160 God, even though we violate everything about Him, 00:39:43.260 --> 00:39:46.240 God speaks truth and love to you. 00:39:46.400 --> 00:39:49.440 How are you going to respond to that this morning? 00:39:49.440 --> 00:39:52.840 As heads are bowed and eyes are closed this morning, 00:39:52.960 --> 00:39:54.179 as we take just a few moments, 00:39:54.280 --> 00:39:57.840 I want you to just consider your words today, 00:39:58.119 --> 00:39:59.900 your interactions, your relationships. 00:40:00.460 --> 00:40:02.780 First and foremost, your relationship with God. 00:40:03.079 --> 00:40:04.840 Can you say beyond a shadow of a doubt, 00:40:04.960 --> 00:40:07.700 I know because I trust what God has said, 00:40:07.940 --> 00:40:11.659 that I'm safe, I'm secure, I'm saved, 00:40:11.900 --> 00:40:16.840 because I've called upon the one who provided it for me. 00:40:16.840 --> 00:40:20.900 But maybe you're here today and you just need to commit to the Lord 00:40:20.900 --> 00:40:23.280 to say, I'm going to communicate in the right way. 00:40:24.980 --> 00:40:26.900 What about you today? 00:40:27.079 --> 00:40:30.019 Heavenly Fathers, we just come before you this morning, Lord. 00:40:30.059 --> 00:40:31.579 We just thank you and praise you. 00:40:33.280 --> 00:40:36.140 Lord, we all need help in the area of communication. 00:40:36.139 --> 00:40:44.359 It's so easy to let our emotion overpower what we say and how we say it. 00:40:46.039 --> 00:40:50.179 But Lord, let's recognize the power of truth, the power of words, 00:40:50.500 --> 00:40:53.559 Lord, that faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God, 00:40:53.659 --> 00:40:55.279 your communication to us. 00:40:56.940 --> 00:40:59.359 Lord, help us to respond in truth today. 00:41:00.239 --> 00:41:02.219 Lord, we just lift this opportunity to you 00:41:02.219 --> 00:41:04.439 and we just give you all the praise in Jesus' name. 00:41:05.819 --> 00:41:06.079 Amen. 00:41:06.219 --> 00:41:07.939 As piano plays, what about you today? 00:41:07.939 --> 00:41:08.059 Amen. 00:41:08.059 --> 00:41:08.439 Amen.