Key Verse
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up
anger. Proverbs 15:1 WEB
Lesson
Water is vital to life. Clean drinking water is necessary
for health. We have all experienced how refreshing a glass of water is when hot
and thirsty. Jesus used water as an example for salvation. He said that he is
the Water of Life. But we know that water is no good if it’s contaminated.
A water filter is useful because it makes contaminated water
drinkable. If we consume contaminated water it will contaminate our body and
make us sick. Drinking clean water not only doesn’t make us sick, but it makes
us healthy and fights off sickness. Proverbs 15:1 says that a calm voice fights
off wrath and anger but harsh words contaminated with anger cause more anger.
Sometimes it is hard to control our feelings. They seem to
slip out in words we don’t mean to say. Or perhaps we don’t try to filter our
speech at all. Psalms 1:26 reminds us if anyone wants to be righteous, they
must filter their speech or control their tongue. “If anyone among you thinks
himself to be religious while he doesn’t bridle his tongue, [he] deceives his
heart” (Psalms 1:26a).
Water cleanses our bodies by washing away impurities. In the
same way, a relationship with Jesus, the Water of Life, washes away the
impurities in our spiritual life. It provides a filter for our thoughts and
speech. We are then able to respond to anger with calmness and kindness that
will dispel that contaminant.
Questions
Have you ever struggled controlling your words?
Do you know what it is like to have words you regretting
saying forgiven? How did that make you feel?
What if we “drank” the Water of Life as often as we drink
physical water?