Discussion Guide: The Power of Words
Desired Takeaway
To recognize that our words carry the power to shape lives, build trust, and reflect Christ—and to begin intentionally using our speech to bless, heal, and encourage others.
Icebreaker Question
What’s one compliment or encouraging word someone gave you that you’ve never forgotten? Why did it stick with you?
1. Lean In (Warm-Up Question)
Think about a recent conversation that left you feeling either built up or torn down. What made the difference in how those words impacted you?
2. Look Down (Scripture Exploration)
Read Proverbs 18:21, 12:18, 16:24, and Luke 6:45.
What stands out to you in these verses?
How do these passages challenge or affirm the way you think about the words you speak every day?
3. Look Out (Real-Life Implications)
Where do you see the power of words most clearly in our culture today—whether in media, family dynamics, politics, or online interactions?
How does our world reflect the idea that words can either give life or cause harm?
4. Look In (Personal Reflection)
If someone transcribed everything you said last week, what themes would stand out? What would your words say about the condition of your heart?
Think about your most frequent relationships—family, coworkers, friends. What kind of “fruit” are your words producing in those spaces?
5. Live It Out (Response and Practice)
What would change in your relationships this week if you committed to speak at least one life-giving word each day?
Who in your life might need to hear an affirming, healing, or hopeful word from you right now?
Optional Exercises for the Week
Prayer Prompt
Jesus, you are the Word made flesh—the one whose voice spoke life, healing, and peace. Teach us to speak as you speak. Shape our words so they reflect your heart—full of grace and truth. Forgive us for careless or wounding speech, and help us become people whose mouths are fountains of life. Fill our homes, our friendships, and our communities with language that restores. Amen.
To recognize that our words carry the power to shape lives, build trust, and reflect Christ—and to begin intentionally using our speech to bless, heal, and encourage others.
Icebreaker Question
What’s one compliment or encouraging word someone gave you that you’ve never forgotten? Why did it stick with you?
1. Lean In (Warm-Up Question)
Think about a recent conversation that left you feeling either built up or torn down. What made the difference in how those words impacted you?
2. Look Down (Scripture Exploration)
Read Proverbs 18:21, 12:18, 16:24, and Luke 6:45.
What stands out to you in these verses?
How do these passages challenge or affirm the way you think about the words you speak every day?
3. Look Out (Real-Life Implications)
Where do you see the power of words most clearly in our culture today—whether in media, family dynamics, politics, or online interactions?
How does our world reflect the idea that words can either give life or cause harm?
4. Look In (Personal Reflection)
If someone transcribed everything you said last week, what themes would stand out? What would your words say about the condition of your heart?
Think about your most frequent relationships—family, coworkers, friends. What kind of “fruit” are your words producing in those spaces?
5. Live It Out (Response and Practice)
What would change in your relationships this week if you committed to speak at least one life-giving word each day?
Who in your life might need to hear an affirming, healing, or hopeful word from you right now?
Optional Exercises for the Week
- Practice the ABC’s of Affirmation
Choose someone in your life and intentionally affirm them using this model:
- Action – Name something specific they did.
- Benefit – How did it help someone?
- Character – What godly trait did it reflect?
- Word Audit Challenge For one day, jot down or reflect on how you spoke to others. Note any patterns in tone, intention, or content. Ask: Were my words mostly life-giving or draining?
- Fast from Negative Speech Pick one habit—sarcasm, gossip, criticism—and fast from it for a week. Replace it with a word of blessing or encouragement.
Prayer Prompt
Jesus, you are the Word made flesh—the one whose voice spoke life, healing, and peace. Teach us to speak as you speak. Shape our words so they reflect your heart—full of grace and truth. Forgive us for careless or wounding speech, and help us become people whose mouths are fountains of life. Fill our homes, our friendships, and our communities with language that restores. Amen.