Looking above episode 18 - Special Guest - Lindsey Lundvall

Sticks and stones do break bones, but words can break our spirits.  Karen and Lindsey discuss the power of our words in our relationships.  Join them as they encourage you to utilize your words to encourage and build up your friends.

Questions for discussion: 

1. Who do you know that is a natural encourager?  How do you feel in their presence?
2. "Don’t bite, devour, and consume one another" Galatians 5:15 How do you feel when in the presence of those who "bite" with their words? Do you bite others with your words?  Why do you think you/others do this?
3. "Don’t grumble among one another" John 6:43 What's the difference between healthy venting and grumbling? How can grumbling affect our relationships?
4. "Don’t complain against one another" James 4:11 Lindsey mentioned that the ratio of positive to negative interactions should be 5 to 1. Reflect on this.  How are you doing with your friends? (your kids? your spouse?)
5. "Encourage and build up one another" 1 Thessalonians 5:11 We have the opportunity to be like the Holy Spirit and encourage and build our friends up. Who has done this well in your life? How did they do this?
6. "Stimulate one another to love and good deeds" Hebrews 10:24 How can your Life Group "provoke" you (to love and good deeds)?  How do you need them to share courage with you?
7. Is there a friend who has been torn down, that you know you need to encourage?  What's your first step?

The Takeaway: Our words may be the most constructive or destructive force in our relationships.

To-Do This Week:  Encourage one friend daily! (You can do it!  I believe in you!)