James 2:15-16

“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”

Ephesians 5:6

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.”

We have learned this week that our words matter. God cares about what we say and how we say it. We are called to use our words to love and care for others and point them towards God.

As we end this week, it is important to pause for a moment and remember that even though our words are important they are never enough. Words without actions are basically worthless, the two need to go hand in hand.

Brennan Manning once wrote, “The single greatest cause of atheism today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then go out the door and deny Him with their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.” Manning’s thought falls right in line with today’s Scripture from James 2. Our words have no substance unless we back them up with action.

So watch your tongue and use it for good. Let it steer you in good directions and it will lead others to Christ. Speak words of affirmation and encouragement… and rebuke when necessary. Pray boldly. In every situation let your words honor God, but never let your words be empty. When you speak concern, act upon it. When you criticize, work towards a solution. When you pray for strength… exercise! In everything, let your actions follow your words. “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:5-6).

One more important point – salt causes thirst. Hopefully we live our lives in such a way that we create a thirst in others to know Jesus Christ.

In Ephesians 5:6, Paul wrote “let no one deceive you with empty words.” Give some examples of empty words.