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Creekside Church, Sunday, July 20, 2025
Words that Slap
Locations & Times
Creekside Church
660 Conservation Dr, Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z4, Canada
Sunday 8:25 AM
Sunday 9:45 AM
Sunday 11:15 AM
In a world filled with screens and artificial intelligence, the ability to create convincing videos is easier than ever. From fake news to fabricated speeches, it’s hard to trust what we see online. This makes authentic, face-to-face human interaction more valuable than ever. However, many of us struggle with meaningful conversation—preferring texts over talks, staying in rather than going out, and checking our phones mid-conversation. God designed us for physical connection, as seen in Jesus coming in person, not as a distant message. Today, we’ll explore how to improve our conversations by seeking wisdom from Scripture and practical insights.
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The Power of Our Words
The Bible emphasizes the immense impact of our words on relationships and life.
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV):
"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
Our words can build up or tear down relationships. They carry the power to bring life or death to our connections with others.
James 3:2-6 (NIV):
"We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
Our words, though small, have massive influence. Like a spark starting a forest fire, careless words can cause great harm, while intentional words can bring life.
Reflection:
Do you think carefully about the words you use? Are they bringing life to your relationships?
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Ask Better Questions
To improve our conversations, we need to ask better, more engaging questions that show genuine interest in others.
Why it matters: Asking thoughtful questions creates connection and makes people feel valued. It’s not about being interesting but being interested. Good questions trigger positive emotions, making conversations memorable and meaningful.
Examples of better questions:
“What’s something exciting you’ve been working on recently?” This opens the door to deeper, more personal responses.
“What’s your biggest goal right now?” This invites people to share their aspirations and sets up opportunities for follow-up conversations.
“What book, movie, or TV character is most like you?” This reveals how people see themselves, fostering authentic connection.
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Ask Follow Up Questions
Don’t just share your own story or opinion. Get curious! Ask, “What led you to feel that way?” or “Tell me more about that.” This shows you’re truly listening and engaged.
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Be More Vulnerable
Vulnerability—being open about your struggles and feelings—builds trust and strengthens relationships.
Share honestly when you’re having a bad day or struggling. For example, telling a friend, “I’ve been feeling lonely lately,” can open the door to deeper connection.
In marriages or friendships, ask, “Is there anything I’ve done that’s caused unresolved hurt?”
----------
In a world of screens and superficial connections, intentional conversation is a powerful way to reflect God’s design for community. Our words hold the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). By asking better questions and being more vulnerable, we can build stronger, more authentic relationships. These skills may feel unfamiliar, but they’re not fake—they’re intentional ways to love others well. Let’s commit to being more present, curious, and open in our conversations, trusting God to use our words to bring life.
----------
The Power of Our Words
The Bible emphasizes the immense impact of our words on relationships and life.
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV):
"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
Our words can build up or tear down relationships. They carry the power to bring life or death to our connections with others.
James 3:2-6 (NIV):
"We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
Our words, though small, have massive influence. Like a spark starting a forest fire, careless words can cause great harm, while intentional words can bring life.
Reflection:
Do you think carefully about the words you use? Are they bringing life to your relationships?
----------
Ask Better Questions
To improve our conversations, we need to ask better, more engaging questions that show genuine interest in others.
Why it matters: Asking thoughtful questions creates connection and makes people feel valued. It’s not about being interesting but being interested. Good questions trigger positive emotions, making conversations memorable and meaningful.
Examples of better questions:
“What’s something exciting you’ve been working on recently?” This opens the door to deeper, more personal responses.
“What’s your biggest goal right now?” This invites people to share their aspirations and sets up opportunities for follow-up conversations.
“What book, movie, or TV character is most like you?” This reveals how people see themselves, fostering authentic connection.
----------
Ask Follow Up Questions
Don’t just share your own story or opinion. Get curious! Ask, “What led you to feel that way?” or “Tell me more about that.” This shows you’re truly listening and engaged.
----------
Be More Vulnerable
Vulnerability—being open about your struggles and feelings—builds trust and strengthens relationships.
Share honestly when you’re having a bad day or struggling. For example, telling a friend, “I’ve been feeling lonely lately,” can open the door to deeper connection.
In marriages or friendships, ask, “Is there anything I’ve done that’s caused unresolved hurt?”
----------
In a world of screens and superficial connections, intentional conversation is a powerful way to reflect God’s design for community. Our words hold the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). By asking better questions and being more vulnerable, we can build stronger, more authentic relationships. These skills may feel unfamiliar, but they’re not fake—they’re intentional ways to love others well. Let’s commit to being more present, curious, and open in our conversations, trusting God to use our words to bring life.