**Introduction**:
- Open with the old adage: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me."
- Discuss how this saying is often used to brush off the impact of hurtful words.
- Pose the central question: Is this adage really true? Do words have the power to harm or heal?
**1. The Power of Words: Positive and Negative**:
- **Illustration**: Share a personal anecdote or story from history or current events where words have either created great harm or uplifted someone greatly.
- **Scripture Reflection**: Proverbs 18:21 emphasizes the immense power of the tongue in both giving life and causing death.
- **Point**: Words are not insignificant. They have the power to build up or tear down; to bless or to curse.
**2. The Destructive Power of Words**:
- **Example**: Bullying, slander, gossip, and false accusations.
- **Illustration**: Recall James 3:5-6, comparing the tongue to a small spark that can cause a great fire.
- **Scripture**: 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."
- **Point**: Harmful words can leave deep emotional and psychological scars that may take years to heal.
**3. The Healing Power of Words**:
- **Example**: Acts of kindness, encouragement, teaching, and prayers.
- **Illustration**: Jesus’ words of healing and forgiveness in the Gospels.
- **Scripture**: Colossians 4:6 - "Let you
