Sermon: Speak Life! | Pastor Brian Bocian | Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost

This week, we look at the power of words. To illustrate the positive elements, Pastor Brian recounts experiences with relatives, mentors, and friends who spoke uplifting words that boosted his confidence and guided his path, eventually leading him to become a pastor. But he also references the saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me," and how it's not true – our words can cause deep harm.

Citing Proverbs 18:21, we find God speaking creation into being and the tongue having the power of life and death. Pastor Brian also shares how Jesus, referred to as the "Word of Life" in John 1, brings life through his words and how Christians are called to use their words to reflect God's love and truth. We—as Christians—are encouraged to speak differently, uplift others, and reflect our faith through our words. Even though taming our tongues can be difficult, with God’s help, it is possible, and we should strive to speak words that build up others, avoid harmful speech, and embody Christ’s love in their communication.

 

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