a purpose. Read Ephesians 1:4-5. With God, you don’t need to try to be somebody you’re not. So don’t let the unkind words of others bring you down! Remember who you are in Christ! Now in His strength, do the hard thing: let them know they’re hurting you (in love) and forgive them in Jesus’ name.
TUESDAY Most of us have been hurt by unkind words, but most of us are guilty of hurting others, too. We’re human, after all! Can you think of a time when you said
something you wished you could take back? Read James 3:9-10, and consider this:
Am I bringing glory to God by allowing Him to love others through me, or am I
pushing others away from God by using words that cause pain and hurt? As Nick V
shared, just one kind word has the potential “save” a life by letting a person
know that they are loved by God — and by you. Take a minute to talk to God. Is
there a “someone” in your life that He wants you to love through you today?
WEDNESDAY On Monday, we talked about doing the “hard thing.” Sometimes following God and His plan for your life will mean making difficult, or even uncomfortable, choices. But it’s definitely worth it! Imagine someone coming to know Jesus in a personal way because you took the time to talk (or sit) with them when no one else would, or because you said “I’m sorry” to a person that “annoys you to no end.” Remember, we don’t know the pain in other people’s hearts, or what they’re
really going through, how they truly feel about themselves, or the difficulties
they face. Does a person you can’t imagine loving come to mind? Read I John
4:15-20.
THURSDAY It’s important to remember that people associate who you are, not only with what you do, but also with the things you say. So think for a minute. Do people recognize you as a Christian by the kinds of things they hear you say? Do you stand out in a good way? As Christians, we should be encouragers, people who are building up, not tearing down. We should be seeking to honor God in our actions (the way we live) and our speech (the words we say). Read Colossians 3:17, and ask God to give you the courage to use your actions and words as a “light” that brings glory and honor to Him.
FRIDAY Why am I here? What’s life really about? Some people spend their whole lives searching for answers to questions like these. But we already know. God tells us
in His Word. We were created to glorify Him. It’s as simple as that! And we do
it by loving Him and loving others. Read I John 4: 7-8. Our tongue (as we talked
about this week) is one tool we have for loving others as these verses describe.
Are you using your tongue as a tool to show others the love of Christ — or as a weapon of destruction? Will you commit today to make a change in the words that come from your mouth? Ask God to help you honor your commitment. He is faithful!
SATURDAY Time to get out some paper and make a list! Think of some specific ways you can apply what you’ve learned this week. Where can you improve? Speaking more respectfully to your parents? Not criticizing classmates or a younger sibling? Telling the truth? Avoiding gossip and rumors? Etc.? Pray over your list then keep it where you’ll see it often and check your progress. Read Philippians 4:13, and
remember, you can do this “through Christ who strengthens you!”