On those days that I preach a sermon to my church family I intentionally don’t discuss it with anyone beforehand, so that everyone who hears it will hear it for the first time – at the same time. I always look forward to the reactions post-sermon – whether positive and encouraging or negative and constructive.
Today I preached a sermon titled “Sweet & Sour”. It was about telling the truth, and saying just the right words at just the right time to just the right person who needs to hear those words.
Telling lies, spreading rumors, sharing gossip, and speaking maliciously of someone or something are all sins of the tongue. These do not represent what God has placed on our heart. If we are filled with the enemy’s hate on the inside – then our talk will turn bitter or sour.
If we are filled with God’s love on the inside – then our talk will be of joy and sweetness. Our words will reflect The Holy Spirit that’s inside each of us. It will reflect the fruits of the Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
… For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart. And I tell you this. You must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you – or condemn you.” (Matthew 12:34c-37)
During a post-service lunch at a local Chinese Restaurant some of us ate “Sweet & Sour”, as we discussed my sermon (among other topics). My sermon had a positive impact on my lunchmates that produced instant results and reflections. It may have changed some of our lives forever. Hopefully it will change the lives of those that are close to us – who hear our talk and see our walk. That’s God’s Glory in action.
Read: Proverbs 12:17-19,22; James 3:1-6; Matthew 12:34c-37; Galatians 5:24-26; Ephesians 4:23-32
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