Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones and Words Can Also Hurt Me

Opening Song:  286 Wonderful Words of Life

Scripture Reading: 

Proverbs 15:4 “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” 

Proverbs 16:24 “Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” 

Proverbs 18:4 “A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.

Welcome: 

Today we welcome each person into the house of the Lord. I would love your assistance in welcoming everyone. I ask that you please turn to the person next to you, find out their name, and give them a smile and a compliment or word of encouragement. If you are seated next to a visitor then you are asked to give both a compliment and a word of encouragement so they can feel doubly blessed. Please ensure you say their name so they know it is personal. End the line with Welcome to Gods house, May God continue to bless your life.

Opening Remarks: 

There is a saying that has become popular that we have perhaps heard many times during our childhood. It goes like this: “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”. Do you agree with this statement? Can words hurt?

The bible says in Proverbs 15:4 “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” When someone is crushed does it hurt? Oh yes it does. 

Stay with me throughout this program as we examine the power of our words and our responsibility as Christians to ALWAYS uplift and NEVER put anyone down with our tongue.

Mission Story:

Suggestion: *Ask someone to testify of a time someone gave them a good word and it stuck with them and helped them*.

Secretary’s Report:

 And now we will have the Secretary’s report.

Main Feature:

Short Skit #1: 

There are two females named Nikki and Ellen, both women have not seen each other in a long time.

*Enter two females*

Nikki: Ellen is that you

Ellen: Yes it’s been a very long time, how are you and your beautiful family

Nikki: Everybody is great! (Pause)Ellen I almost didn’t recognise you, you’ve gained so much weight. Where are you going with all that weight? 

*End Skit*

Short Skit #2

Two male friends are chatting. Their names are Derval and Rohan

Rohan: Did I tell you about the amazing progress I’ve been making on my business?

Derval: What did you say? I cannot hear you over that terrible haircut you have. It makes you look ugly. Did you pay your barber? If so, you should ask for a refund immediately!

*End Skit*

Short Skit # 3

Mother and child

Child: I am off to school mommy.

Mother: Did you finish your homework?
Child: No, I didn’t understand it too well.

Mother: What do you mean you didn’t understand it? Are you stupid? 

I am sending you to school to learn, not for you to tell me you don’t understand. 

Keep that up and you will become a worthless dunce like your father.

*End Skit*

Superintendents Remarks:

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” Is this statement true? Can words hurt? 

How many of us have pensive flashbacks over the negative words and taunts that were uttered to us in our lifetime. Why then as Christians do we sometimes find humour in uttering negative words to someone else? Why is it so common place to insult someone and take no thought of what was said?

Every encounter we have with another human is an opportunity to witness about the goodness of God. We can do so with positive words. The words we speak can shift the atmosphere around someone’s day and possibly their life. Do you know you can compliment someone and change the trajectory of their day positively?

Can you remember the feeling you had the last time someone offered you a compliment or an encouraging word? Was it a good feeling?

The bible says in Proverbs 12:18 says, the words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

We are to guard the things we say. As Christians we should push ourselves to look for the good in others, speak positively and send someone along feeling better than they did before. Our words should bring healing to a soul in turmoil, to someone going through a tough time, to someone needing a friend.

How about speaking positivity into those we meet everyday? Let us re-evaluate the characters with a change in narrative.

*Same characters enters*

Short Skit #1: 

Two females named Nikki and Ellen, both women have not seen each other in a long time

*Enter two females*

Nikki: Ellen is that you

Ellen: Yes it’s been a very long time, how are you and your beautiful family

Nikki: Everybody is great! (Pause) that color you are wearing looks exquisite on you and your skin is radiant. May God continue to bless your life.

 *End Skit*

Short Skit #2

Two male friends are chatting. Their names are Derval and Rohan

Rohan: Did I tell you about the amazing progress I’ve been making on my business?

Derval: I admire the thing you are doing with your business. You are inspirational and doing a great job. May God grant you increase in all territories!

*End Skit*

Short Skit # 3

Mother and child

Child: I am off to school mommy.

Mother: Did you finish your homework?
Child: No, I didn’t understand it too well.

Mother: You are a very smart child, my love. When you get home this afternoon we will tackle it together. You can conquer it. Turn it over to Jesus and he will help you

*End Skit*

Lesson Study:

We will now have our lesson study.

Closing Remarks:

The words you have gained weight is not a greeting, the words you are stupid should never be uttered by a Christian. The words you are ugly should never leave your lips. We know for a fact that Sticks and Stones may break our bones and words can also hurt me. As Christians, let us seek to build up our fellow men with words of compliments and encouragement and refrain from using words that will discourage and hurt.

Sabbath School is now adjourned until next Sabbath.