Children’s Sermon

Matthew 15:10-28

The Words We Speak

By Dr. Dan Wuori

Have you ever heard the expression, “you are what you eat?” It means that if you eat healthy things you’ll have a healthy body.

During Jesus’ life many people followed strict rules about the foods they could eat because they believed that God didn’t want them eating certain things. But in today’s gospel lesson Jesus tells them that it’s not what goes into their mouths that matters to God – it’s what comes out.

What do you think Jesus meant? What comes out of our mouths? (Solicit children’s responses.)

That’s right. The things we say are important because our words are full of power. Has anyone ever said something that made you feel really proud of yourself? Words can do that. They can make us feel happy – and make us feel loved. They can make us feel important and smart and capable…

But maybe you can also think of a time that someone said something that really hurt your feelings? Words can sometimes “hurt” more than even hitting or kicking, can’t they. They wrong words – unkind words – can make us feel terrible, can’t they?

So this week I want you to join me in thinking carefully about the words you use – and look for chances to use your words to make people feel better, smarter, happier and more loved than they did before you spoke. Will you do that?

Let’s pray.

Dear God,

Jesus reminds us that our words proceed from our hearts. Fill our hearts – and words – with your love during the week ahead.

Amen.

Copyright 2008, Dan Wuori. Used by permission.