Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Your words matter.

Proverbs 15:1 NIV

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 18:21 NIV

21 The tongue has the power of life and death,and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Ephesians 4:29 TPT

29 And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them.

Let your words be a gift.

Law of Exposure - What you expose yourself to dramatically shapes how you think, feel, and act.

While we can't control our families, we can be intentional to not conform.

Romans 12:2 NIV

2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

If God saw the shepherds, He sees you; if He chose them, He chooses you.

Luke 2:10-11 NIV

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Weapons for Battle:

1. You are not alone! 
2. Your story is redeemable.

John 1:5 NIV

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

We are carriers of hope and light.

Everyone wants to be seen and heard.

1 Thessalonians 2:6-8 ESV

6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

If the Spirit of God is in you, then gentleness can come out of you.

Ask God to help you be gentle with the people He has put in your life.

Who in your life do you need to see – or see differently?

1 Thessalonians 2:8 NIV

8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.

John 4:35 NIV

35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.

Even if we didn't cause the hurt, God can use us to help with the healing.