Speak Life

What we say has the power to be poisonous or to speak life, students at Smithville Christian High School were told at chapel.

“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose,” said Bible teacher Neale Robb on Nov. 18, 2015, quoting Proverbs 18:21 from The Message.

Students Brendan and Sean did a short skit about what you can say when a friend fails a test, and Robb also quoted singer/singwriter Toby Mac:

When the sun won't shine and you don't know why.

Look into the eyes of the brokenhearted;

Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope,

You speak love, you speak...

You speak Life.

 

Robb identified some of the ways our words can be poisonous: slander (untruthful and mean things that are as destructive as murder), gossip (partially truthful, but sensationalized and hurtful) or careless (when we speak before thinking of the impact of our words).

Robb said, before you speak, ask:

• Is it true?
• Is it necessary?
• Is it helpful?

“Careless words can cut deeper than a knife,” he said.

Robb also listed some of the ways our words can speak life: words that encourage, that give hope, that inspire, that support.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs," he said, quoting Ephesians 4:29.

“You have the power to build up, to encourage, to love and to care for people with what you say,” Robb said. “Let us be people who thrive by speaking life into others.”

Chapel was held for the first time in the newly renovated lounge, and the first praise team to take the new stage led in worship with “Cornerstone,” “Holy (Wedding Day)” and “Brother.”