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The Art of Tact and Diplomacy
'Ready Answer' by StaffWinston Churchill's leadership was profoundly shaped by his mastery of speech, which inspired and unified war-torn England during World War II. In his first report to the House of Commons as Prime Minister on May 10, 1940, he set a resolute tone with the words, "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat," marking the beginning of his series of stirring wartime speeches that rallied the nation and resonated globally. His ability to deliver the right words at critical times was a cornerstone of his impact, knitting the country together during desperate struggles. Beyond inspiration, Churchill also recognized the weight of his words, admitting with characteristic wit that he often had to eat his words and found it a wholesome diet, reflecting his awareness of the need for careful speech. His endeavors in speech were guided by diplomacy and tact, striving to couple his words with appropriate actions to say and do the right thing at the right time. This balance of speech and action underscores the importance of thoughtful communication in leadership and interpersonal interactions, highlighting that the spirit behind words often reveals one's inner state.
Listen, Wait, and Then Speak
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJames provides some of the best advice on communication and control of the tongue. The correct order of communication is listening, waiting, and then responding.
The Tongue: Our Tool of Power
'Ready Answer' by StaffThe tongue, the spoken word, holds the power of life and death. An encouraging word can lift someone who is down, helping them endure the day, while a destructive word can cause them to give up. Anyone can speak words that rob another of the will to continue in tough times, but special is the one who takes time to encourage. As we grow in brotherly love, we must remember the tongue's awesome power. We all often stumble and offend in many things, but if anyone does not offend in speech, never saying the wrong things, he is a fully developed character, able to control his whole body and curb his entire nature. Just as bits in horses' mouths turn their bodies, and small rudders steer great ships driven by rough winds, the tongue, though small, can boast of great things. See how a tiny spark can set a great forest ablaze; so too, the tongue is a fire, a world of wickedness among our members, contaminating the whole body and setting life aflame, ignited by hell. Every kind of beast, bird, reptile, and sea animal can be tamed by human genius, but the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless, undisciplined, irreconcilable evil, full of deadly poison. With it, we bless the Lord and Father, and with it, we curse men made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing, which ought not to be so.
Apologies and Hypocrisy
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughGod proclaims in Hosea 4:1, 'There is no truth or mercy or knowledge of God in the land.' Considering the state of American hypocrisy, His judgment is not far off.
Flame Wars
Sermonette by Ryan McClureAre we part of flaming — the aggressive and offensive interaction between Internet users? Or do we pursue righteousness in our speech and communication?
The Honeycomb
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingWords spoken in anger or thoughtlessness, though they may not break bones, can irreparably damage or destroy a person's spirit long after broken bones heal.
Are You Sharp-Tongued? (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by StaffFrom the beginning, humanity has struggled with sin, and one of the most untamed areas of life is the tongue. God has created us with an instrument that can sing His praises yet curse His name. Our tongues compliment and criticize, comfort and offend, instruct and deceive. Since giving our lives to God, we embark on a lifelong task to tune this instrument to harmonize with His melody. The tongue, though small, holds power far beyond its size, like a bit controlling a horse or a rudder turning a huge ship. It can start wars, condemn innocents, ruin lives and careers, separate friends and family, and lead others astray. It is vital that we control its use. Among the dangers of speech are the excuses we use to justify harmful habits. What we think about reveals itself in what we say. A mind fed by godly wisdom can control the tongue, and as we grow in that wisdom, our words will become fresh and reliable. We will lose the sharp edge from our speech, avoiding duplicity. Our communication will begin to express what is true, noble, pure, lovely, and good. Our words will convey virtue, offer praise to God, and uplift those who hear us. Righteousness will come to fruition in an atmosphere of peace through such efforts.
Are You Sharp-Tongued? (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by StaffThe tongue may be the most untamed beast on earth! James says we all offend in word. But James 3 is filled with wisdom regarding how we can overcome the beast.
Making the Cut (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughKing David's list of required character traits in Psalm 15 starts off by setting an impossibly high standard: the very character of God Himself.
Our Words Matter: Are They Harmful or Helpful?
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingEmotional damage from hurtful words is more harmful to our nervous system than we have imagined, lingering long past the healing time of any cut or broken bone
Gossip
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe apostle James says that the tongue can metaphorically start a dangerous fire. He warns that gossip, tale-bearing and being a busy-body is like murder.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Seven): Ecclesiastes 10:12-19
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs teachers, we are all burdened with an unholy tongue, but we need to rule it to produce only holy speech. Ecclesiastes 10 focuses on a leader using gracious speech.
Flavorless Salt
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonThe metaphor of properly flavoring our speech with salt applies to how we speak to those who have not yet been called, which reflects on the family name of God.
Fruit of the Flesh - On Conflict
Sermonette by Bill OnisickAs God's chosen saints, we must not let our keyboard or mouth defile us. Godly conversation includes stifling the urge to win the argument at all costs.
Flavorless Salt
'Ready Answer' by Hunter D. SwansonThe apostle Paul advises Christians to speak graciously, our speech 'seasoned with salt.' We must control what we say because it exposes our hearts.
Salt
Article by Mike FordJesus calls His disciples "the salt of the earth." Do we know what He meant? Here is the spiritual side of this common mineral compound.
Sticks and Stones
'Ready Answer' by Ted E. BowlingWhat are we to do when destructive words come our way? We must learn to take everything with much patience and longsuffering, which will result in peace.
Use Words Carefully
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomerySome have grown so accustomed to using abusive language to demean and humiliate others that they no longer recognize they are doing it.
Matthew (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus didn't break the Sabbath, but he did break extra-legal fanatical human custom applied to the Sabbath apart from God's Law.
Are We Good Comforters?
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamII Thessalonians 2:16-17 emphasizes comfort and consolation. The words of comfort we give to others should be true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind.
Learning from Clichés
CGG WeeklyThrough every medium, Satan spreads his values, hidden within the stories our televisions broadcast, our movies so spectacularly feature, and our songs rehearse.
Keeping Love Alive (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIf we love another person, we like to think about him/her, to hear about him/her, please him/her, and we are jealous about his/her reputation and honor.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Nine): Philadelphia
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Jesus warns us not to let anyone take our crown, He encourages us to endure over the long-haul and not bask in the glory of a brief, victorious accomplishment.
Do Unto Others and Reap What We Sow
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Reaping good fruit does not happen immediately. If we feel we are not reaping, we must consider that we might be reaping some negative things we have sown.
What Is the Prophesied 'Pure Language'? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeZephaniah 3 foretells of a "pure language," by which people may call on the name of the Lord. Many believe it will be Hebrew, but the Scriptures reveal more.
Christianity Vs. Cultural Paganism
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSatan deceives by mixing truth with and falsehood, promoting cultural pagans or tares among the wheat or members of the church of God.
The Ninth Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe cannot measure how much evil the tongue has perpetrated, for falsehoods disguised as truth have destroyed reputations and even nations.
God Never Disappoints
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsUnlike people who, because of their natural carnal nature, feel disappointment with God, God's people should never experience any disappointment with Him.
Is God in All Our Thoughts?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must not allow the cares of the world, its pressures or its pride, to crowd God out of our thoughts, bringing about abominable works or evil fruits.
Pride, Humility, and the Day of Atonement
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Day of Atonement, when God commands us to afflict our souls, is a day of self-evaluation and repentance to seek unity with Him and our brethren.