Sermon What To say When You Don’t Know What To Say By Mensa Otabil
Sermon What To Say When You Don’t Know What To Say By Mensa Otabil
- Introduction to the Sermon Topic: “What to Say When You Don’t Know What To Say”
- Understanding the Power of Words
- Acknowledging the Limitations of Human Speech
- Practicing Empathy and Active Listening
- Seeking Wisdom and Guidance
- Honesty and Authenticity in Communication
- Offering Comfort Through Presence
- Extending Grace to Yourself and Others
- The Role of Prayer in Communication
- Conclusion
“What To Say When You Don’t Know What To Say”: Finding Comfort in Presence
In times of difficulty and distress, it’s common to feel at a loss for words, uncertain of how to offer comfort or support to those in need. The sermon topic, “What To Say When You Don’t Know What To Say,” explores the challenges of verbal communication in moments of crisis and offers guidance on finding solace through presence, empathy, and prayer.
Understanding the Power of Words
Words hold immense power—they have the ability to uplift, inspire, and comfort, but they can also wound, discourage, and confuse. Throughout scripture, the significance of words in communication is emphasized. Proverbs 16:24 reminds us, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (ESV), highlighting the healing power of kind and comforting words.
Acknowledging the Limitations of Human Speech
Despite the power of words, human speech is inherently limited. There are moments when emotions overwhelm our ability to articulate thoughts and feelings coherently. In such times, there is a temptation to rely on clichés or platitudes that may ring hollow or fail to provide genuine comfort. It’s important to acknowledge the difficulty of finding the right words and to offer grace to ourselves and others in moments of verbal inadequacy.
Practicing Empathy and Active Listening
When words fail, presence speaks volumes. Practicing empathy and active listening can be more impactful than offering words of advice or consolation. Simply being there for someone, offering a listening ear, and validating their emotions can provide immense comfort and support. As James 1:19 advises, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (ESV), emphasizing the importance of listening with empathy and understanding.
Seeking Wisdom and Guidance
In moments of verbal inadequacy, it’s helpful to turn to scripture and prayer for wisdom and guidance. Psalm 19:14 encourages us to pray, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (ESV). Trusting in God’s provision of the right words at the right time can alleviate the pressure of finding the perfect response and offer comfort in the assurance of His presence.
Honesty and Authenticity in Communication
Rather than striving for perfection in verbal communication, it’s important to embrace vulnerability and authenticity. Expressing uncertainty or inadequacy in finding the right words can foster deeper connections and understanding. By being honest about our limitations, we create space for genuine empathy and support to flourish.
Offering Comfort Through Presence
Sometimes, the most comforting presence is silent companionship. Offering a shoulder to lean on, a hand to hold, or a presence to share in someone’s grief can convey love, support, and understanding more profoundly than words ever could. As Job’s friends initially did when they sat with him in silence for seven days (Job 2:13), our mere presence can be a source of solace and strength.
Extending Grace to Yourself and Others
In moments of verbal inadequacy, it’s essential to extend grace to oneself and others. Recognizing that presence, empathy, and compassion often speak louder than words can alleviate the pressure to find the perfect response. By offering grace and understanding, we create space for healing and connection to flourish, even in moments of verbal silence.
The Role of Prayer in Communication
Prayer serves as a powerful means of communication, even when words fail us. In times of uncertainty or distress, turning to prayer allows us to seek comfort, guidance, and clarity from a higher power. Romans 8:26 reassures us, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (ESV), reminding us of God’s ability to interpret the unspoken prayers of the heart.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “What To Say When You Don’t Know What To Say” reminds us of the limitations of verbal communication in moments
