April 27 - Words That Build, Not Break

APRIL 27 - Words That Build, Not Break3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 15:1–2; Romans 12//⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠//________________________________________“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.” — Proverbs 15:1–2 (ESV)“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” — Romans 12:9–10 (ESV)________________________________________Have you ever said something in the heat of the moment and instantly wished you could take it back? Maybe it was a text sent too quickly or a sarcastic comment that stung more than you meant. Proverbs 15:1–2 reminds us that our words have power—they can either calm a situation or make it explode. In Romans 12, Paul challenges us to let our love be real and to honor others, not tear them down. That means our words should bring life, not destruction.Think about it: what would happen if every time you wanted to snap back, you chose kindness instead? It might feel like you’re “losing” in the moment, but really, you’re choosing strength. Kindness isn’t weakness; it takes courage and wisdom to build people up when anger tempts you to do the opposite.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Power in Your Words: How have someone else’s words impacted you—for good or for bad? How does that show the importance of choosing your words carefully?2. Real Love, Real Honor: What would it look like for you to “outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10) with your friends, siblings, or classmates this week?3. Responding Wisely: Next time anger rises, what’s one practical way you can pause before speaking so your words bring peace instead of conflict?________________________________________BOTTOM LINEYour words carry power—use them to reflect God’s love, bring peace, and build others up.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that my words matter. Help me to speak with kindness, honor others, and show real love even when it’s hard. Teach me to pause before I speak so my words can bring peace and reflect Your heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.