Daily Worship (July 06)

Proverbs 18:13 (NIV)
“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.”

Devotional Thought
This verse gives us a simple but powerful picture of what often goes wrong in our communication: speaking before truly listening. When we rush to give our opinion or defend ourselves without hearing others, we act foolishly and bring shame on ourselves. Proverbs teaches us that wise communication begins with careful listening. This theme connects with James’ words about being “quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry.” Our problem isn’t just about words; it’s about the pride in our hearts that assumes we already know everything. But the gospel reminds us that we are sinners in need of God’s grace. When we remember who we are in Christ—saved by grace and accepted as beloved children—we can lay down our pride. Listening patiently becomes a way to show love and humility. It opens the door for healthier relationships in our families, friendships, workplaces, and church. Today, ask God to help you slow down and truly hear others, even when you feel the urge to speak first. Wise communication begins with a humble heart that values others above ourselves.

COMMA Questions

• Context: How does Proverbs teach us about wisdom in everyday life, including how we speak and listen?
• Observation: What does the verse say happens when we answer before listening?
• Meaning: Why is answering before listening considered foolish and shameful?
• Main Idea: How does this verse challenge the way you typically communicate with others?
• Application: How can you practice listening better today in a conversation you know you’ll have?

Prayer
Lord, thank you for your patience with me. Help me slow down and truly listen to others. Remind me of my identity in Christ so that I can communicate with humility and love. Amen.

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Devotional Thought
Paul gives us a high calling: our words should never tear down but only build others up. This challenges us because so often our words come out of frustration, pride, or carelessness. Instead of encouraging others, we wound them. But notice that Paul doesn’t just say “be nice.” He says our words should be “helpful for building others up according to their needs.” This means we must care about what others are going through and speak with love that meets them where they are. This connects directly to James’ teaching on the tongue and the kind of religion God accepts. As believers, our communication should reflect our new life in Christ. Jesus used words to heal, comfort, and challenge with love. When we remember that we are loved and forgiven in the gospel, we gain the freedom to speak words of life instead of words of death. Our tongues become tools for God’s kingdom, bringing grace into every relationship. Today, consider how your words can encourage someone and point them to Jesus.

COMMA Questions

• Context: How does Ephesians 4 talk about the new life we have in Christ and the way it changes how we live?
• Observation: What two kinds of talk does this verse contrast?
• Meaning: What does it mean for words to be helpful “according to their needs”?
• Main Idea: How can your words today build others up instead of tearing them down?
• Application: What is one practical way you can speak life into someone’s situation this week?

Prayer
Father, help me use my words to build others up and bring your love into every conversation. Teach me to speak with grace and reflect Jesus in what I say. Amen.

Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV)
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Devotional Thought
Paul reminds believers of who we are: chosen, holy, and dearly loved by God. This identity is the foundation for how we relate to others. When we forget who we are in Christ, we quickly slip into pride, bitterness, or anger. But when we remember our identity, we can “clothe” ourselves with Christlike qualities: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These are the heart attitudes that lead to healthy communication. They allow us to listen without defensiveness and speak with love, even when others hurt us. Paul calls us to forgive because Jesus first forgave us. This echoes James’ call to be doers of the word and not just hearers; real faith changes how we relate to others. The gospel doesn’t just teach us what to say, but transforms us so that we can communicate in a way that brings healing and unity. Today, remember who you are in Christ, and let that shape how you speak and respond in every relationship.

COMMA Questions

• Context: How does Colossians 3 describe the new life of believers in Christ?
• Observation: What qualities does Paul tell us to “clothe” ourselves with?
• Meaning: Why is remembering our identity in Christ important for how we relate to others?
• Main Idea: How does forgiveness play a central role in healthy relationships?
• Application: What step can you take today to show compassion, patience, or forgiveness to someone in your life?

Prayer
Jesus, thank you for choosing me and loving me. Help me remember who I am in you and communicate with compassion and patience in all my relationships. Amen.