Tuesday, February 25, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Romans 16

It’s never easy being the new kid in school. 

A few months into fourth grade, I was that kid. Thankfully, a few houses down, someone went out of his way to welcome me, and I found out we shared a classroom. Starting relationships is easy, but growing them takes understanding each other’s differences.

It wasn’t long before my new friend started tossing racial slurs at me. Some would say words are only words, and my reaction was wrong. The latter’s probably true, but words matter to me just as much today as they did then. 

Dr. Habib Sadehi said this about “The Scary Power of Negative Words”:

Words have power. Their meaning crystallizes perceptions that shape our beliefs, drive our behavior, and ultimately, create our world. Their power arises from our emotional responses when we read, speak, or hear them. Just say the word “fire” while barbequing, or in the workplace, or in a crowded theater, and you’ll get three completely different but powerful emotional and energetic reactions.

My friend’s language choices were beyond his understanding, but he strung together words and phrases that cut deep. He’s still a friend because we quickly mended our fences, and he never again called me out of my name (a common African-American expression).

Proverbs 11:9
With their words, the godless destroy their friends but knowledge will rescue the righteous.

How sharp is your tongue when you know little about the other person? A group of friends might play the dozens, but doing so with a new acquaintance could cause friction if they don’t know the rules or you poke at a sensitive subject. 

You must consider culture, personality, temperament, and environment when addressing someone; none of that is possible without knowing the person and vice versa. What offends you might be lighthearted to them, and they might dismiss something that breaks your spirit.

A stagnant life prevents you from growing into the new person God intended you to be. You can fall into the cycle of unintentionally destroying others with your weaknesses. But change is possible when you strengthen your relationship with God and follow Jesus’ example of how you should see others. 

Think about your best relationships. They’re strong because you took the time to learn who they are, and they flourish because you bring comfort and connect according to the individual’s needs. And they honor you and God by doing the same. 

Questions: 
How does it feel when someone close to you hurts you with their words? Have you ever noticed an adverse reaction when simply speaking to others? Do you take the time to understand each person you spend time with?

Next Steps: 
Ask questions to learn more about an individual. Take the color assessment in the app to learn about yourself, and invite others to take it.

Prayer: 
God, forgive me for hurting others and give me the courage to ask for their forgiveness when I have not. Help me calmly express my feelings when a friend’s words discourage or destroy me. Use me to show others that we’re in this world together. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Ephesians 4:29
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.