This weekend at Woodlands Church (@woodlandschurch), we had the opportunity to hear from guest speaker, Tom Holladay of Saddleback Church.
Tom recently released a new book titled The Relationship Principles of Jesus.
Tom talked to us about how important our words are to our relationships.
He left us with a words challenge. There are 5 types of words that can transform our relationships. We are to choose at least 1 of the 5 and work these words into our speech this week.
1) Kind words transform worry to joy
Worry can rob you of happiness, but kind words will cheer you up. - Proverbs 12:25 (TEV)
2) Gentle words break through anger
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. - Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
3) Pleasant words encourage learning
Pleasant words promote instruction. - Proverbs 16:21b (NIV)
4) Honest words make us feel loved
An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. - Proverbs 24:26 (NIV)
5) Wise words heal broken hearts
Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal. - Proverbs 12:18 (TEV)
Join me in the challenge. Which type of words will you incorporate into your relationships this week? I have chosen gentle words.
I recently picked up a copy of Bill Hybels’ new book titled ax-i-om // powerful leadership proverbs.
The book is a collection of 76 God-given convictions that have dictacted Bill’s leadership strategy for more than three decades.
Bill describes an axiom like this……..
Memorable sound-bites that can be called upon at a second’s notice to inform a critical decision.
Bill believes that………
….great leaders not only lead well but are also able to articulate in short, memorable phrases precisely how they do so.
Here are a few axioms from the book…….
Vision & Strategy
1 // Language Matters
5 // Vision: Paint the Picture Passionately
8 // Hire Tens
13 // Vision Leaks
Teamwork & Communication
27 // Get the Right People Around The Table
34 // Disagree without Drawing Blood
37 // Leaders Call Fouls
Activity & Assessment
46 // Sweat the Small Stuff
49 // Is it Sustainable?
52 // Facts Are Your Friends
Personal Integrity
67 // Always Take the High Road
68 // Read All You Can
73 // Excellence Honors God and Inspires People
75 // Fight for Your Family
Do you have any personal axioms that you use to guide your life and inform your critical decisions?
Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak.
That is what James tells us in James 1:19…..
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…
We find this same advice in Proverbs…..
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Proverbs 10:19
He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 13:3
Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 29:20
There are so many ways to apply this Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak principle……
- as a parent
- in marriage
- in relationships with family and friends
- at work
- as a leader
- with God
Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak
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