Love, Words, and Choices: Living an Authentic Christian Life

“What Are You Saying?” Sermon (03.02.25)

In a world where words can build up or tear down, where our choices shape our character, and where love is meant to be the hallmark of our faith, how are we truly living? Are we embracing the call to authentic Christian living, or are we falling short in ways we may not even realize?

Let's pause for a moment and consider: How often do we find ourselves avoiding certain people at church, taking the long way around to dodge a conversation, or harboring resentment in our hearts? These small actions speak volumes about the state of our hearts and the depth of our love for one another.

The Bible reminds us in John 13:35 that the world will know we are disciples of Christ by our love for one another. But if we're honest, sometimes that love is hard to find, even within the walls of our churches. We're called to be different, to stand out in a world that often chooses hate over love, discord over unity. Yet, how different are we really?

Consider the power of our words. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that "the tongue has the power of life and death." Our words can uplift or destroy, encourage or discourage. How often do we pause to consider the impact of what we're about to say? Do we use our words to build others up, or do we carelessly let them fly, leaving a trail of hurt in their wake?

There's a beautiful passage in Proverbs 16:24 that says, "Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Imagine if we approached every conversation with this mindset, seeking to speak words that nourish and heal rather than wound and divide.

But it's not just about what we say out loud. Our actions, our silence, even our body language communicates volumes. We might think we're hiding our true feelings, but often they're shouting loud and clear to those around us. As followers of Christ, we're called to a higher standard. Colossians 3:7-10 reminds us that we've put off our old selves and put on the new, which is being renewed in the image of its Creator.

This renewal process isn't always easy. It requires us to make conscious choices every day, choices that align with the fruits of the Spirit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These aren't just nice attributes to aspire to; they're the evidence of a life transformed by Christ.

Imagine starting each day with a deliberate choice to embody these fruits. What if we woke up and said:

"Today, I choose love. No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose joy, refusing to see people as anything less than human beings created by God. I choose peace, living forgiven and choosing to forgive. I choose patience, overlooking inconveniences and thanking God for moments to pray. I choose kindness, even to those who are unkind to me. I choose goodness, integrity, and honesty in all my dealings. I choose faithfulness, keeping my promises and being trustworthy. I choose gentleness, knowing that nothing is won by force. I choose self-control, refusing to let what will rot rule over what is eternal."

This intentional approach to living out our faith can transform not only our lives but the lives of those around us. It's about making the conscious decision to live out the love of Christ in tangible, everyday ways.

But let's be real – this isn't easy. We live in a world that often rewards selfishness, encourages retaliation, and glorifies putting ourselves first. Swimming against this current requires strength that comes only from God. It means being willing to overlook offenses, to choose forgiveness even when it's hard, and to love even when we don't feel like it.

The beautiful thing is, we're not left to do this on our own. 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." We weren't meant to carry the burdens of resentment, bitterness, or unforgiveness. These weights were meant to be left at the foot of the cross.

As we strive to live authentically as Christians, it's crucial to remember that our actions speak louder than our words. People may not always remember what we say, but they'll remember how we made them feel. When we choose love, when we speak words of kindness and encouragement, when we forgive readily and love unconditionally, we're painting a picture of Christ for the world to see.

So, what is your life saying? Are your words and actions aligned with the fruits of the Spirit? Are you known for your love, your kindness, your patience? Or are there areas where you need to surrender to God and allow Him to work in your heart?

Let's challenge ourselves to be more intentional about our words and actions. Let's commit to speaking life, choosing love, and embodying the fruits of the Spirit in our daily lives. It's not about perfection – it's about progress and a willingness to let God shape us more into His image every day.

Remember, every interaction is an opportunity to show the love of Christ. Every word we speak has the power to build up or tear down. Every choice we make is a chance to reflect God's character to the world around us.

As we go about our days, let's keep in mind the words of Ephesians 4:29: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

May our lives be a testament to the transforming power of God's love, and may our words and actions draw others closer to Him. Let's choose love, speak life, and live authentically as followers of Christ.

Scripture used in sermon:

• Psalm 46:10

• Psalm 121:1-2

• Proverbs 10:19

• Proverbs 18:21

• Proverbs 19:11

• Psalm 19:14

• Psalm 141:3

• Psalm 34:13

• Ephesians 4:29

• James 3:5-18

• Matthew 7:15-16

• Galatians 5:13-15

• Galatians 5:16-17

• Galatians 5:22-26

• Colossians 3:7-10

• Proverbs 6:12-19

• 1 Peter 5:7

• Proverbs 15:4

• Proverbs 16:24