WARM WELCOME - Open the conversation
What's something you could give a 10-minute speech about with absolutely no preparation?
RECAP - Share a message summary
The words we use shape us and the people around us. Ephesians 4:29 challenges us to use our words to build people up according to their needs. We looked at four kinds of words that bless: encouraging words, honest words, wise words, and forgiving words. Our challenge is to make speaking life a discipline and a rhythm, not just something we occasionally do.
DISCUSS - Enjoy a good conversation using the questions below as a guide - (🔥Deeper Question)
Read Proverbs 16:24. Who is someone you know who is really good at encouraging people What is it about their encouragement that sticks out to you?
Read Ephesians 4:29-32. What do you think it means to speak words that are "helpful for building others up according to their needs"?
Why do you think forgiveness is such a powerful way of building someone up?
Have you ever forgiven someone or been forgiven? What did it do for that relationship?
Read Proverbs 27:5-6. Why do we sometimes prefer hidden love over courageous honesty?🔥
We all need “honest” words sometimes. “Who in your life has earned the right to speak hard truth into your life—and have you done enough to earn that same right with others?”🔥
PRACTICE - Ask, “What is one way that you will put scripture into practice this week?”
Discuss in prayer time -What would need to be true about this group for you to both give and
receive honest, wise words—even when they hurt?
Try this challenge: Say at least one genuinely encouraging thing to every person you interact
with this week. What do you think would change if you made that a habit?
PRAY - Spend 30 minutes sharing, praying, and holding one another accountable.
