Showing posts with label Redemptive Conversations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Redemptive Conversations. Show all posts

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Reflection - Redemptive Relationships - Jesus' Redemptive Conversations

Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART III: REDEMPTIVE RELATIONSHIPS, Chapter 21, "Redemptive Conversations", Question 2, Page 142.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Reflect on the way Jesus conducted a redemptive conversation. PHOTO: Reflect on the way Jesus conducted a redemptive conversation. What personal lessons are there for you?
We will have many conversations with family members, neighbours, friends, church members, and strangers. How can we carry on a conversation that is good, life-giving, and redemptive? The Lord Jesus set the example. We read in John 4 about an extended conversation between Him and a Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26). We can learn many lessons from it.

First, the conversation was deep. Jesus began by expressing a need - He was thirsty and requested water. That led to a discussion on thirst and water, and the Lord used the opportunity to introduce the water that quenches spiritual thirst. The woman then asked a theological question about the location of true worship. Jesus made some quick comments and then moved on to talk about the kind of worshippers that the Father is seeking.

Second, the conversation was personal. Jesus encouraged the woman to reveal her true self - she was living in sin and shame. Realising that Jesus somehow knew all about her, she disclosed her true self to Him. He then showed that her theological question hid a personal problem: she was unable to worship God in her heart because of her sin and shame. If God cannot be worshipped in her heart, it does not matter where she goes to worship God; she will not be able to do so. Jesus also revealed His true identity to her.

Third, the conversation was redemptive. The woman came as a sinner, wrapped up in shame; she had avoided the people of her town by going to the well alone at noon. But after Jesus gently led her to the truth about himself, she finally realised and accepted who He was. In quick succession, as the truth gradually dawned on her, she addressed Jesus as "Jew", "Sir", "Prophet", and finally "Messiah". What a splendid discovery! Healed and transformed, she hurried into the town and told the people whom she was earlier too ashamed to meet that the Messiah was nearby, and brought them to Him.


How can you make your conversations deeper, more personal, and more redemptive?
We have many opportunities today to hold redemptive conversations, Jesus-style. Seniors possess the life experience and maturity to make a difference in many conversations. We need to make our conversations deep, personal, and redemptive, by treating others as individuals with needs. Beyond discussing current issues and events (important in their own right), we can dive deeper into spiritual matters by addressing personal concerns and needs. Behind what others say intellectually or pragmatically lie spiritual needs and questions, struggles and aspirations. If we listen closely, we can make our conversations redemptive.

Ageing people can speak with wisdom, like Christian sages, and offer encouraging and healing words. In the ancient Benedictine monastic tradition, each day begins with a prayer: "Dear Lord, please help me today to use my tongue in your service by uttering words of love, kindness, praise, and encouragement. Help me to take custody of my tongue so I do not utter words of hate, disrespect, criticism, gossip, or slander."

We can pray likewise.

Picture posted by Seeds of Faith - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSD5nDxkGv-5Tg6s2b7DbQrM0JaTe9rRTg7o6P9zDgUO8tFaYL-Lf7gGESRDh-Lgxf18BI0W3Gzw_DXBuXl_67pRw3XA3jpZGrkSIuM8z3F5Z2vIquIMZuDtJZXb1i1J78sSXvzcYQQJY/s1200/cph_30119997812.jpg
https://seedsoffaith.cph.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cph_30119997812.jpg
https://seedsoffaith.cph.org/2016/12/21/new-testament-2-lesson-4-jesus-and-the-samaritan-woman/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/08/reflection-spiritual-habits-factors.html


Reflect on the way Jesus conducted a redemptive conversation. What personal lessons are there for you? How can you make your conversations deeper, more personal, and more redemptive?

Reflect on the way Jesus conducted a redemptive conversation. What personal lessons are there for you?
[1]
We will have many conversations with family members, neighbours, friends, church members, and strangers. How can we carry on a conversation that is good, life-giving, and redemptive? The Lord Jesus set the example. We read in John 4 about an extended conversation between Him and a Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26). We can learn many lessons from it.


How can we carry on a conversation that is good, life-giving, and redemptive?
PHOTO: How can we carry on a conversation that is good, life-giving, and redemptive? The Lord Jesus set the example. We read in John 4 about an extended conversation between Him and a Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26). We can learn many lessons from it.
Artwork by William Brassey Hole (1846-1917) from “The Life of Jesus of Nazareth” (Eyre and Spottiswoode c 1905).
Picture posted by Alamy - Jesus at Jacob's Well with the woman of Samaria

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4c6syrn9UfUIvqJof3-851vh73A8_8fqMEroHUhxpHgjVS1NykKtOCIq0zM3rDfkitELZMUf9BCybcTCTtvnrrWP3XSfbvx3oWhur1XVJqydHGx9LpxzXgBzeMg5BXXVGTCwo8MMKQg/s1364/jesus-at-jacobs-well-with-the-woman-of-samaria-G382A2_11.png
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/G382A2/jesus-at-jacobs-well-with-the-woman-of-samaria-G382A2.jpg
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-jesus-at-jacobs-well-with-the-woman-of-samaria-105283642.html



First, the conversation was deep. Jesus began by expressing a need - He was thirsty and requested water. That led to a discussion on thirst and water, and the Lord used the opportunity to introduce the water that quenches spiritual thirst. The woman then asked a theological question about the location of true worship. Jesus made some quick comments and then moved on to talk about the kind of worshippers that the Father is seeking.


First, the conversation was deep.
PHOTO: First, the conversation was deep. Jesus began by expressing a need - He was thirsty and requested water. That led to a discussion on thirst and water, and the Lord used the opportunity to introduce the water that quenches spiritual thirst.
Picture posted by Želám Ti pokoj duše a lásku v srdci on 20 March 2018

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aE2arXh0v-DJWI__WfTcNAqgiV_gaR41uVHn_UeNyqLQUpR-1Bc2SHlLlK-Qq1N_M1z-7e5QbmcPQt0HbC5wiGD9J1LyIo71GaH_NLQalGcCwpCrcDyh1cKdo-CGSYZA-PjwHRILE2c/s1080/29495931_967236603434837_4132948231808090112_o.jpg
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Second, the conversation was personal. Jesus encouraged the woman to reveal her true self - she was living in sin and shame. Realising that Jesus somehow knew all about her, she disclosed her true self to Him. He then showed that her theological question hid a personal problem: she was unable to worship God in her heart because of her sin and shame. If God cannot be worshipped in her heart, it does not matter where she goes to worship God; she will not be able to do so. Jesus also revealed His true identity to her.


Second, the conversation was personal.
PHOTO: Second, the conversation was personal. Jesus encouraged the woman to reveal her true self - she was living in sin and shame. Realising that Jesus somehow knew all about her, she disclosed her true self to Him. Jesus also revealed His true identity to her.
Picture posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHu_GNZltZgB-MLIal4DhxNkAT6Ls1VxRMrcwjCtdi31Cua-ygTsKCw9foy_Pm18lGgyi0D_AV_LMUz53SEqw2D5LBPVcTi0aJHCxGtMI96GZc-yThXn6jDQ93JmMqJt4BO9wbtgk7_Xg/s1125/124.jpg
https://wol.jw.org/cmn-Hans/wol/mp/r23/lp-chs/wp16/2016/124
https://wol.jw.org/cmn-Hans/wol/d/r23/lp-chs/2016165



Third, the conversation was redemptive. The woman came as a sinner, wrapped up in shame; she had avoided the people of her town by going to the well alone at noon. But after Jesus gently led her to the truth about himself, she finally realised and accepted who He was. In quick succession, as the truth gradually dawned on her, she addressed Jesus as "Jew", "Sir", "Prophet", and finally "Messiah". What a splendid discovery! Healed and transformed, she hurried into the town and told the people whom she was earlier too ashamed to meet that the Messiah was nearby, and brought them to Him.


Third, the conversation was redemptive.
PHOTO: Third, the conversation was redemptive. The woman came as a sinner, wrapped up in shame; she had avoided the people of her town by going to the well alone at noon. But after Jesus gently led her to the truth about himself, she finally realised and accepted who He was.  Healed and transformed, she hurried into the town and told the people whom she was earlier too ashamed to meet that the Messiah was nearby, and brought them to Him.
Picture posted by reader016

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZHNSmWWviEgDJL9N_qMngFvbqdVpcL3oOzgrzHcOvd3yJPBY28OD2CqPzQxxAtbE6L8YK5b0mXZIh5WLp9Gkx2r1NcbpwGKhCp0Lxtb9ceXIjUKYDjUo1C62782wLbQJ5qNDSN9HCJg/s1318/5b2be8d7ca2f2.jpg
https://reader016.vdocuments.mx/reader016/html5/0622/5b2be8b8aa445/5b2be8d7ca2f2.jpg
https://vdocuments.mx/najveci-covjek-koji-je-ikad-zivio.html



How can you make your conversations deeper, more personal, and more redemptive? [1]
We have many opportunities today to hold redemptive conversations, Jesus-style. Seniors possess the life experience and maturity to make a difference in many conversations. We need to make our conversations deep, personal, and redemptive, by treating others as individuals with needs. Beyond discussing current issues and events (important in their own right), we can dive deeper into spiritual matters by addressing personal concerns and needs. Behind what others say intellectually or pragmatically lie spiritual needs and questions, struggles and aspirations. If we listen closely, we can make our conversations redemptive.


How can you make your conversations deeper, more personal, and more redemptive?
PHOTO: How can you make your conversations deeper, more personal, and more redemptive?
We need to make our conversations deep, personal, and redemptive, by treating others as individuals with needs. Beyond discussing current issues and events, we can dive deeper into spiritual matters by addressing personal concerns and needs. Behind what others say intellectually or pragmatically lie spiritual needs and questions, struggles and aspirations. If we listen closely, we can make our conversations redemptive.
Picture posted by Shutterstock

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsmAbtlOcutTRWJo8LpR90ivL565smumDucYdfk4yP6Fh-VPtwV38eEhH4vnWlrwJZm9TIiwV3rmt2QMZ1D-Nf9J6BkUfURbB_GPwHBSKmi4e4e-PWkAURf-8O-8VYbZqv4RQCEruIGQ/s1600/stock-photo-139241090_11.png
https://image.shutterstock.com/z/stock-photo-teenage-girl-comforting-crying-friend-with-warm-hug-139241090.jpg
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/teenage-girl-comforting-crying-friend-warm-139241090



Ageing people can speak with wisdom, like Christian sages, and offer encouraging and healing words. In the ancient Benedictine monastic tradition, each day begins with a prayer: "Dear Lord, please help me today to use my tongue in your service by uttering words of love, kindness, praise, and encouragement. Help me to take custody of my tongue so I do not utter words of hate, disrespect, criticism, gossip, or slander."

We can pray likewise.


Ageing people can speak with wisdom, like Christian sages, and offer encouraging and healing words.
PHOTO: Ageing people can speak with wisdom, like Christian sages, and offer encouraging and healing words. In the ancient Benedictine monastic tradition, each day begins with a prayer: "Dear Lord, please help me today to use my tongue in your service by uttering words of love, kindness, praise, and encouragement. Help me to take custody of my tongue so I do not utter words of hate, disrespect, criticism, gossip, or slander."
Artwork by Eduard von Grützner
Picture posted by Валентина-л on  Saturday, 15 December 2018 at 06:08 - Cardinal with large Tome

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a8Z3LGKkOOy2lz0oArTQ9FQgSZcHJ7yLAxieTA5li8IlNpnGYrwLxTmRmyycm3JGFd9qNkRzl7yLDrqPu_pSaYG44Dd6NonYDQPsG2phTkZC-sAXAERMcOiJlL2ew2l8U-E0mal0ueY/s1600/1906_Cardinal+with+large+Tome.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXvprMyIy1Uu04o0O5VZFGT3h4tICd_zdKPeOd8YExqMF_whdamVDaSlRhszrqT3ZIgGUOAIOaZkSRLdvr3Z-QPuM8TabT7q6_Ja4K95xbgW8K9jxe6nRqgciZ5HHsT4xnPn9HEjWuld7/s1600/1906_%25D0%259A%25D0%25B0%25D1%2580%25D0%25B4%25D0%25B8%25D0%25BD%25D0%25B0%25D0%25BB+%25D1%2581+%25D1%2584%25D0%25BE%25D0%25BB%25D0%25B8%25D0%25B0%25D0%25BD%25D1%2582%25D0%25BE%25D0%25BC+%2528Cardinal+with+large+Tome%2529_43+x+33_%25D1%2585.%252C%25D0%25BC._%25D0%25A7%25D0%25B0%25D1%2581%25D1%2582%25D0%25BD%25D0%25BE%25D0%25B5+%25D1%2581%25D0%25BE%25D0%25B1%25D1%2580%25D0%25B0%25D0%25BD%25D0%25B8%25D0%25B5.jpg
https://coloreds56.rssing.com/chan-24347902/all_p2173.html



Dear Lord
Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, help us to learn from our Lord Jesus on how to carry on a conversation that is good, life-giving, and redemptive. We will have many conversations with family members, neighbours, friends, church members, and strangers. Help us to learn the lessons from the extended conversation between Him and a Samaritan woman which are deep, personal, and redemptive.

Give us opportunities today to hold redemptive conversations, Jesus-style. Seniors possess the life experience and maturity to make a difference in many conversations. But we still need Your guidance to make our conversations deep, personal, and redemptive, by treating others as individuals with needs.

Beyond discussing current issues and events, we want to dive deeper into spiritual matters by addressing personal concerns and needs. Behind what others say intellectually or pragmatically lie spiritual needs and questions, struggles and aspirations. Help us to listen closely, so that we can make our conversations redemptive.

Help us to be ageing people who can speak with wisdom, like Christian sages, and offer encouraging and healing words. Like the ancient Benedictine monastic tradition, each day begins with a prayer: ‘Dear Lord, please help me today to use my tongue in your service by uttering words of love, kindness, praise, and encouragement. Help me to take custody of my tongue so I do not utter words of hate, disrespect, criticism, gossip, or slander.’

Help us to pray likewise.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!
"
Picture posted by Mother Moon / Yasuko *
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at
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https://ameblo.jp/runayt227/entry-12615530351.html


Reflection - Redemptive Relationships - Jesus' Redemptive Conversations
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART III: REDEMPTIVE RELATIONSHIPS, Chapter 21, "Redemptive Conversations", Question 2, Page 142.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012




Other Books
 
Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, ©
2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 


Reference
[1] From "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Copyright © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-14-1836-5, PART III: REDEMPTIVE RELATIONSHIPS, Chapter 21, "Redemptive Conversations", Page 139-141.


Links


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.


Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Reflection - Redemptive Relationships - Redemptive Conversations

Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART III: REDEMPTIVE RELATIONSHIPS, Chapter 21, "Redemptive Conversations", Question 1, Page 142.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Why is it important to watch our words every day?
PHOTO: Why is it important to watch our words every day?
The apostle James points out that the tongue is resistant to our attempts to tame it and is probably the last part of the body to be brought under control (James 3:3-12). It boasts, tells lies, curses others, and is "a restless evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:8). We need to practise the proper custody of the tongue if we are to honour God and bless others. An Egyptian desert father (in the early centuries of the church) said, "It is impossible to advance in virtue without custody of the tongue."

Jesus warned, "I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give accounts for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:36-37 ESV). It seems that all the words we have spoken will come back to haunt us.


How would you assess the words you speak?
Some researchers claim that, on average, men speak about 7,000 words daily while women speak 20,000 words; others say that both genders speak about 16,000 words. That is a lot of words, and considering what Jesus said about being careful with our words, we should reflect deeply. We assess the words we speak by reflecting deeply our words.


How much of them are positive and how much are negative?
Positive: 10%, Negative: 45%, and Neutral: 45%.


Is there any adjustment needed in how you speak to others, both in what you say and how you say it?
Every words that comes forth from God's mouth gives us life and sustains us (Matthew 4:4). As we continue to walk with Christ, and as we age in years, should not our speech reflect the gracious and life-sustaining speech of God? The book of Proverbs gives much wisdom on doing this:

"Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity" (Proverbs 21:23).

"The mouth of the righteous is fountain of life" (Proverbs 10:11).

"The tongue of the righteous is choice silver . . . The lips of the righteous nourish many" (Proverbs 10:20-21).

"Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances" (Proverbs 25:11 NASB). Meaning; a timely or appropriate word (fitly spoken) is like words of wisdom from God (apples of gold in a silver basket).

"A person finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word!" (Proverbs 15:23).

As part of being made holy, our speech will change. Paul urges us, "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" (Colossians 4:6).

Picture posted by Marcel Theroux on  02 February 2017 at 10:07 - The redemptive power of listening
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF3aSQYiDSqu1XCp-aUlK3JWoBYpvokXppspA8QRw2xejuxIIPTnXOt-wyF-sw4z6JgPnm-1lnxDX4RVsfR5zBMRLI1bGTITsL9jcnc1ZApuLrGSxJLwaTYTHLifNZP1eKnc1VC5PMKM/s750/1_16a0838717c.1971923_3782709275_16a0838717c_large.jpg
https://imagevars.gulfnews.com/2017/2/2/1_16a0838717c.1971923_3782709275_16a0838717c_large.jpg
https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/books/the-redemptive-power-of-listening-1.1971924



Why is it important to watch our words every day? How would you assess the words you speak? How much of them are positive and how much are negative? Is there any adjustment needed in how you speak to others, both in what you say and how you say it?

Why is it important to watch our words every day?
[1]
The apostle James points out that the tongue is resistant to our attempts to tame it and is probably the last part of the body to be brought under control (James 3:3-12). It boasts, tells lies, curses others, and is "a restless evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:8). We need to practise the proper custody of the tongue if we are to honour God and bless others. An Egyptian desert father (in the early centuries of the church) said, "It is impossible to advance in virtue without custody of the tongue." [82]


Why is it important to watch our words every day?
PHOTO: Why is it important to watch our words every day?
The apostle James points out that the tongue is resistant to our attempts to tame it and is probably the last part of the body to be brought under control
(
James 3:3-12). It boasts, tells lies, curses others, and is "a restless evil, full of deadly poison" (
James 3:8).
Picture posted by TS Oral Health on 25 February 2019 - Close up of a tongue that is on fire.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3e8doE5jPg37V0Et6WW225JVbrGgMgSXx69KHQWs9kee1ZhkDoc5Z4cTMShoCHn78eS3V2UywoKmxI41jf-R1CyK5moeGCf97VazTg_MgmaJx6N7U3gJVJmCep9lK4E_nU4hoKnRhA5o/s2048/mouth.jpg
https://tsoralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/mouth.jpg
https://tsoralhealth.com/why-does-my-mouth-burn/tongue-on-fire/



Jesus warned, "I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give accounts for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:36-37 ESV). It seems that all the words we have spoken will come back to haunt us.


Jesus warned
PHOTO: Jesus warned, "I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give accounts for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:36-37 ESV).
Picture posted by Michael Shermer
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTNW_V-_wbDaxKrCTk2vGRyI42yn2iFtres0SEGIXePKQo69L3WC0f4tRO-QoVUhLM9Esl2SvPQujJct6bZRPcY5pNDF3Y_Vmcv4dFWpeXBxsCgyrlF0eGSX6lIjYinymFbqG8mZwH9U/s400/AGdIyO6J.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1256340701010419715/AGdIyO6J.jpg
https://twitter.com/gina_aversano/status/1176964890285748226



How would you assess the words you speak? [1]
Some researchers claim that, on average, men speak about 7,000 words daily while women speak 20,000 words; others say that both genders speak about 16,000 words. [81] That is a lot of words, and considering what Jesus said about being careful with our words, we should reflect deeply. We assess the words we speak by reflecting deeply our words.


How would you assess the words you speak?
PHOTO: How would you assess the words you speak?
We should reflect deeply. We assess the words we speak by reflecting deeply our words.
Picture posted by Hans Media, ©le-tan, unsplash on 29 October 2018 at 13:23

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How much of them are positive and how much are negative?
Positive: 10%, Negative: 45%, and Neutral: 45%.


How much of them are positive and how much are negative?
PHOTO: How much of them are positive and how much are negative?
Positive: 10%, Negative: 45%, and Neutral: 45%.
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Is there any adjustment needed in how you speak to others, both in what you say and how you say it? [1]
Every words that comes forth from God's mouth gives us life and sustains us (Matthew 4:4). As we continue to walk with Christ, and as we age in years, should not our speech reflect the gracious and life-sustaining speech of God? The book of Proverbs gives much wisdom on doing this:


Adjustment needed in how we speak to others,both in what we say and how we say it.
PHOTO: Adjustment needed in how we speak to others,both in what we say and how we say it. The book of Proverbs gives much wisdom on doing this.
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"Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity" (Proverbs 21:23).

"The mouth of the righteous is fountain of life" (Proverbs 10:11).

"The tongue of the righteous is choice silver . . . The lips of the righteous nourish many" (Proverbs 10:20-21).

"Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances" (Proverbs 25:11 NASB). Meaning; a timely or appropriate word (fitly spoken) is like words of wisdom from God (apples of gold in a silver basket).

"A person finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word!" (Proverbs 15:23).

As part of being made holy, our speech will change. Paul urges us, "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" (Colossians 4:6).


As part of being made holy, our speech will change.
Dear Lord
PHOTO:
"Dear Lord, please help us to watch our words every day. The apostle James points out that the tongue is resistant to our attempts to tame it and is probably the last part of the body to be brought under control. It boasts, tells lies, curses others, and is ‘a restless evil, full of deadly poison’. Help us as we need to practise the proper custody of the tongue if we are to honour God and bless others. An Egyptian desert father (in the early centuries of the church) said, ‘It is impossible to advance in virtue without custody of the tongue.’

Jesus had also warned us that on the day of judgement we will give accounts for every careless word we speak, for by our words we will be justified, and by our words we will be condemned. We need your help every day that all the words we have spoken will not come back to haunt us.

We learn that some researchers claim that, on average, men speak about 7,000 words daily while women speak 20,000 words; others say that both genders speak about 16,000 words. Lord, that is a lot of words, and considering what Jesus said about being careful with our words, help us to reflect deeply so that we can assess the words we speak.

My spoken words are largely negative, and very little of them are positive. There are adjustment needed in how we speak to others, both in what we say and how we say it. Lord, be with us in protection, guidance, wisdom, and direction.

We learn that every words that comes forth from God's mouth gives us life and sustains us. As we continue to walk with Christ, and as we age in years, help us in our speech to reflect the gracious and life-sustaining speech of God.

Help us to learn from the book of Proverbs which gives much wisdom on doing this:

"Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity" (Proverbs 21:23).

"The mouth of the righteous is fountain of life" (Proverbs 10:11).

"The tongue of the righteous is choice silver . . . The lips of the righteous nourish many" (Proverbs 10:20-21).

"Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances" (Proverbs 25:11 NASB). Meaning; a timely or appropriate word (fitly spoken) is like words of wisdom from God (apples of gold in a silver basket).

"A person finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word!" (Proverbs 15:23).

As part of being made holy, our speech will change. Paul had urged us to let our conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how to answer everyone.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!
"
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Reflection - Redemptive Relationships - Redemptive Conversations
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART III: REDEMPTIVE RELATIONSHIPS, Chapter 21, "Redemptive Conversations", Question 1, Page 142.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012



Other Books


 
Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, ©
2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 


Reference
[1] From "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Copyright © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-14-1836-5, PART III: REDEMPTIVE RELATIONSHIPS, Chapter 21, "Redemptive Conversations", Page 137-139.

[81] The significant difference between the two genders can be found in neuropsychiatrist Dr Louann Brizendine's The Female Brain (New York,Broadway Books, 2006). Others, such as psychologist Dr Matthias Mehl, have produced figures that are almost similar, about 15,700 words for men and 16,200 for women; see Julie Huynh, "Study Finds No Difference in the Amount Men and Women Talk", 19 June 2014, University of Arizona Undergraduate Biology Research Program Gazette, https://ubrp.arizona.edu/study-finds-no-difference-in-the-amount-men-and-women-talk/.

[82] Vitae Patrum: Sayings of the Egyptian Fathers (sixth century; Vitae Patrum, 2004), Appendix 3, http://www.vitae-patrum.org.uk/page161.html.
96. An old man said: "It is impossible to advance in virtue without custody of the tongue. Custody of the tongue is the primary virtue."


Links


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Colossians 4:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+4%3A6&version=NIV

James 3:3-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+3%3A3-12&version=NIV

James 3:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+3%3A8&version=NIV

Matthew 4:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+4%3A4&version=NIV

Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV

Matthew 12:36-37 ESV - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+12%3A36-37&version=ESV

Proverbs 10:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+10%3A11&version=NIV

Proverbs 10:20-21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+10%3A20-21&version=NIV

Proverbs 15:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+15%3A23&version=NIV

Proverbs 21:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+21%3A23&version=NIV

Proverbs 25:11 NASB - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+25%3A11&version=NASB