On Sound Speech, Part 4
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We’ve surveyed how God speaks. Should we seek to speak in similar ways? And if so, specifically how?
Let me start with the “should we?” question.
Back to the beginning.
On Sound Speech, Part 3
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And now, in the New Testament, God speaks in a way he never has before.
He speaks in person, visibly, incarnately, powerfully.
Discussion
On Sound Speech, Part 2
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We’re looking at God’s speech as a model for our own. The previous post ended with God speaking of delivering his people Israel from their Egyptian taskmasters, and of his keeping that promise through the plagues.
After crossing the Red Sea—miraculously—Israel travels to Mount Sinai, where they will meet God and receive the Law of Moses.
Discussion
On Sound Speech, Part 1
Read the series.
Do you have trouble with your mouth?
I do. And I always have. Since birth.
Really.
There are few things worse than saying something that you regret, whether immediately or eventually.
How should we then speak?
I’d like to take a few posts to meditate on that.
And I’d like to begin by considering someone who speaks, and who speaks well.
The Bible begins with a speech act:
Discussion
The Dead Seriousness of Careless Words
Body
“Words have immense power—power to do such good and power to do such harm. Words can strengthen the weak or crush them, comfort the sorrowful or grieve them, relieve the burdened or weigh them down all the more. Words can be a taste of life or a savor of death” - Challies
Discussion
The Sin of Provoking
Body
“While individuals reacting poorly are responsible for their poor choices, those who provoked such responses are also responsible.” - P&D
Discussion
Speaking Words That Build Up: A Dying Practice
Body
“It’s a very straightforward and helpful exercise to take Paul’s words [1 Corinthians 13:4-6] and apply them to what we are about to speak or write….Is what I’m about to say/write kind? Is it arrogant or rude? Is it resentful? Is it patient?” - Tim McNight
Discussion
“The offense caused by the truth does not detract from the necessity of the truth. On the other hand, rash words can devastate.”
Body
“The Latin term ad hominem literally means ‘to the man.’ … ‘attacking the person of a source rather than his or her qualifications or reliability, or the actual argument he or she makes.’” - Ref21
Discussion
Bleep! Why Christians Shouldn’t Cuss
Body
“I was asked recently ‘Where in the Bible does it say Christians shouldn’t cuss?’”
Discussion
Just Words
Sunday mornings in a pastor’s family are the stuff of legend. Besides having to feed, wash, and dress everyone, we are also expected to actually get to church on time. In our family, this means that my husband and I usually end up driving separately (our apologies to planet earth).
This last Sunday was no different. My husband had already left with our two boys, leaving my daughter behind with me as I finished getting ready. For some reason, I was feeling a bit spiritually disheveled that morning and so I did something I’ve never done before in my life. I asked my daughter to read to me while I was doing my hair and makeup.
It went something like this:
“Phoebe, get your Bible and come here to my bathroom. Now, open it. What day is today? … I know it’s Sunday. What day of the month is it? … The 12th? Okay. Find Psalms and read me chapter 12.”
So much for intentional parenting. Thankfully, God is always intentional, and in the next few moments, my baby-girl-turned-fourth-grader read me words of life and hope.
Discussion
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Discussion