Family Worship (May 10)

Have you ever seen a campfire? It usually starts very small. Someone lights a tiny match or spark, and before long there is a big fire. Fire can be very helpful when it stays in the fireplace or fire pit. But if it gets out of control, it can spread quickly and destroy trees, homes, and fields.

The Bible says our words can work the same way. A small word can make someone smile and feel loved. But a mean word can hurt someone deeply. One angry sentence can start a big argument. One rude comment can spread through a classroom, a team, or even a church like wildfire.

In James 3, God teaches us that our tongues are powerful. Our words show what is happening in our hearts. When our hearts are filled with selfishness and pride, hurtful words come out. But when Jesus changes our hearts, our words can bring peace, kindness, and encouragement. God wants our families to use words that build others up instead of tearing them down.

James 3:5-8, 16-18 (NIV)
Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Discussion Questions

1. What are some examples of words that can hurt people like a wildfire?
2. Why do you think God cares so much about the way we speak to one another?
3. What are some ways our family can use words to encourage, help, and bring peace this week?

Family Activity: “Spark or Water?”

Supplies: Small pieces of paper, Two bowls or cups, Marker

Have each family member think of different kinds of words people use. Write each phrase on a small piece of paper. Some examples:

“Thank you for helping.”
“You are annoying.”
“I forgive you.”
“Nobody likes you.”
“I’m proud of you.”

Label one bowl “SPARK” and the other “WATER.”

Take turns reading the phrases aloud and deciding if the words would start a fire (hurt people or create conflict) or help put out a fire (bring peace and encouragement). Place the paper into the correct bowl.

Afterward, talk about how Jesus uses his words to bring grace, truth, forgiveness, and peace. Remind everyone that the Holy Spirit helps Christians become peacemakers instead of fire-starters.

Prayer
Lord, thank you for giving us words to speak to one another. Forgive us for the times we use our words to hurt people. Please change our hearts so our words bring peace, kindness, and encouragement. Help our family become peacemakers who reflect the love of Jesus. Amen.

Memory Work:

New City Catechism
19. Is there any way to escape punishment and be brought back into God’s favor?
Yes, God reconciles us to himself by a Redeemer.

Memory Verse
Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭37‬-‭39‬ ‭(CSB‬‬)
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  , This is the greatest and most important   command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."