Words that Hurt & Words that Heal / Expressions of Faith / Cornerstone Online / 06-30-24

Words That Hurt & Words That Heal: The Power of Speech
In the sermon "Words That Hurt & Words That Heal," Pastor Fred shared a personal anecdote about an inadvertently recorded conversation on his landline. Although this particular conversation was benign, the incident served as a poignant reminder of how easily our spoken words can be misheard or unintentionally broadcast to others. It emphasizes the profound influence of the tongue and the importance of mindful speech.
Drawing from the Book of Proverbs, Pastor Fred goes on to emphasize three key points:
1. Our words reflect the state of our hearts, with the power to give life or cause destruction.
2. Wisdom and love should guide our speech.
3. Transforming our hearts through divine intervention is crucial for positive change in our discourse.
Biblical Wisdom on Speech
The Scriptures, particularly Proverbs 10:11-14 and 18-20, illustrate that our words serve as a window to our souls. They can:
Refresh and encourage others
Harbor and conceal malice
Invite disaster through impulsive speech
Provoke conflict or forgive offenses
Deliver hard truths with love and kindness
Wisdom calls for discretion in speech, recognizing when silence is more virtuous than excessive talk.
The Heart-Speech Connection
As explained in Matthew 15:16-20, the condition of our hearts dictates our speech, not mere adherence to rules or regulations. To change our verbal expressions, we must first seek divine transformation. Only God's transformative power can renew our hearts (2 Corinthians 5:17). When we confess our sins and ask Jesus for a new heart, we allow His Holy Spirit to sanctify and transform us from within.
Conclusion
The power of our tongues is intrinsically linked to the state of our hearts. Merely guarding our language is insufficient; we must address the underlying motives and desires within our hearts. Through Jesus' redemptive work and the Holy Spirit's sanctifying influence, we can achieve true heart transformation. As we embrace His grace and forgiveness, our renewed hearts will naturally produce speech that is wise, loving, and edifying, becoming a source of blessing and encouragement to others.
This is our online gathering for June 30th, 2024, with Pastor Fred Provencher. Sermon #3 in our sermon series: Expressions of Faith.