Key Takeaways

My words reveal who I am becoming.

When we are triggered, our instinct is often to react in anger, exposing what is truly in our hearts. But the Bible shows us there is a better way. We can become the kind of people who choose to respond with gentleness and wisdom when we surround ourselves with other people who help us grow more like Jesus, inside and out.

• Proverbs – The book of Proverbs shares wisdom on how to respond to anger in a life giving way. It calls us to honor God and give life with our words.
• Your words expose what’s inside – What comes out of us when we are angry isn’t a product of the situation – it is a reflection of what’s really going on inside of us.
• Be gentle – It is hard to be gentle when we know we are right and want to be heard, but a gentle response can de-escalate tempers and help the truth be heard in a way that is far more transformative than a shout or angry text.
• God sees the good and bad – We often care about what others think of us, but God knows all of our deepest motives and insecurities. Other people only hear what we say, but God sees where it comes from. He is watching over us and will guide and protect us, even in the moments we’d rather he not see.
• We grow in community – Deep and meaningful relationships with other people help us to become, and respond, more like Jesus. They help us to see what is really going on inside us and will tell us the truth with gentleness and wisdom.

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Pray

Ask God to reveal what your words say about your heart and help you respond with the gentleness and wisdom of Jesus.

God, you are patient, gentle, and wise. Your words bring life, speak truth, and lead us toward who you created us to be. We praise you for showing us what perfect love looks like through Jesus.

Forgive us for the moments when our words reveal anger, pride, or selfishness within us. Too often, when we feel triggered, we react before allowing you to examine our hearts. Show us where our words have hurt others and where we need your forgiveness.

Thank you for your grace when we fall short. Thank you for the people you place around us who encourage us, challenge us, and help us become more like Jesus.

Holy Spirit, help us pause before we speak. Give us the wisdom to choose gentle words that bring life instead of harsh words that crush the spirit. Surround us with people who will speak truth into our lives with love and help us recognize what you are forming within us. May our words reveal that, day by day, we are becoming more like Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set into your slot and spot this week and praise God for his gentleness and perfect love.

Thank God I’m Free – Elevation Worship

I Know A Name – Elevation Worship

Inhabit – Lakewood Music

Learn

This week, read through the scripture shared in the message and dive deeper into God’s word.

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. – Proverbs 15:1

• Scripture – Proverbs 15:1-4
• Read – The Tongue – A 5-day devotional
• Watch – The Wisdom of Proverbs from Bible Project
• Listen –Proverbs 15 from Through the Word

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your slot and spot/discussions with others.

We have all had moments when we verbally respond to triggering situations.

• Can you think of a time your reaction made a situation worse?
• What did you learn from that situation?

Pastor Brad reminded us that our words reveal what is already within us. They can tell us a lot about the condition of our hearts and the direction our lives are heading.

• When you are angry do you speak in a way that reveals what you believe about God? Is what comes out of you a reflection of the person you are becoming in Christ?
• Can you think of anyone in your life who often responds well in triggering situations? What do their responses tell you about the condition of their heart?

Read Proverbs 15:1-4. What is your initial takeaway from the wisdom in these verses?

• Have you ever seen a conflict de-escalate because of a gentle response?
• What would help you to respond with gentleness and wisdom, even when you are triggered?
• It is natural to want to be heard when we think we are right. When you have a truth to tell, how can you speak in a way that people want to listen to you?
• God knows everything we say and where it comes from. How does this truth challenge the way you interact with others?

Next Steps

• Deep meaningful friendships help us to grow more like Jesus. Join a J-Group to get connected with the life giving relationships God has for you.

• Find your place and part in our community of faith. Join Plugged In at your location and start living out your gifts as a part of the J-Team.

What’s one thing you learned from this message that you want to apply to your life this week? Share it in the comment section below.