Welcome to another family bible time. As you may remember, our focus for the year is being an exemplary family 1Tim 4:12-13. Apostle Paul in this scripture speaking to Timothy listed some aspects of life through which we can show Godly example.
In this post, we are talking about showing Godly example in word/ speech/ conversations. Our words and conversations speaks volume about us, it reveals our nature, it shows if we are quiet, loud, gentle, kind, wicked, loving, angry, wise, foolish, Godly, worldly and many more …
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45
Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. Matt 7:20
It is important to focus on our words and conversations as a means of showing Godly example to our family members, believers and everyone. Words can either build up or tear down.
Prov 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Prov 12:18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.
Activity 1: Share personal experiences when people’s words have helped or hurt you.
Activity 2: Mention the kinds of words or conversations that can tear down or hurt people (Let the children give examples, then adults can give more examples like cursing, dirty jokes, mockery, taunting etc)
We can be Godly examples by ensuring our words and conversations build people up instead of tearing people down.
Let us see what the word of God says about the use of words:
Take turns to read these bible verses and give room for meditation. Explain the key words in the verses to the children to help their understanding. Let each family member think about how they will apply these verses to guide their speech.
Eph 4:29; Col 4:6; Prov 16:24; Prov 15:1
For example: Pr 15:1 talks about what will happen when we speak calmly compared to the result of speaking unkind words.
Biblical examples: Read about Rehoboam’s answer to the elders and what happened to his kingdom. 1Kg 12: 13-19
Read about Nabal’s answer to David’s request vs Abigail’s response and what was the result of each person’s words. 1Sam 25:10,23-28.
Key point: T-H-I-N-K (T- true, H- helpful, I- inspiring, N- necessary, K- kind) before you talk. Phi 4: 8 provides guidance for our thoughts:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Family circle: Pray asking God to help each member of the family learn to use our words in a way that blesses other people and glorifies God.
Raising Godly Children 