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Youth Ministry Lesson - THINK

Before You Speak to Youth

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Our words are very powerful, especially when speaking to youth

who are forming the sense of identity and self-worth. Whether you
are a parent, a teacher, a youth minister, or just a friend of youth
here are 5 simple things to consider.
The next time you want to say something to a youth, T.H.I.N.K. first.

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Before you say something you might regret, ask yourself these 5
simple questions. If the answer is No to any one of these questions,
then you might not want to say it to a youth. Teens are very sensitive
to the words we say. The following scriptures have had general
references to people replaced with the word youth or a variation to
bring more focus to our conversations with those who are youths.

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1. TRUE? Is it true?

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of

respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, in reference to
youth, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
(Proverbs 12:19)

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2. HELPFUL? Is it helpful?

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,

but only what is helpful for building youth up according to
their needs, that it may benefit the teens who listen.
(Ephesians 4:29)

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3. INSPIRING? Is it inspiring?
But encourage teenagers daily, as long as it is called Today, so that
none of you may be hardened by sins deceitfulness (Hebrews 3:13)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who
promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur youth on
toward love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:23-24)

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4. NECESSARY? Is it necessary?

Walk in wisdom toward youth, redeeming the time. Let your

speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may
know how you ought to answer each teenager. (Ephesians 4:5-6)
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of
judgment for every careless word they have spoken to youth.
(Matthew 12:36)

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5. KIND? Is it Kind?

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along
with every form of malice toward youth. (Ephesians 4:31)
He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the
king for his friend. (Proverbs 22:11)
Instead, speaking the truth to teens in love, we will grow to become
in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is,
Christ. (Ephesians 4:15)

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Another way to look at this is to consider how to

reword what you have to say to teenagers so that it
fits these 5 guidelines. So the next time, before you
say something to a youth, THINK first!

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Creative Youth Ideas

Camp Bible Study Series
Who Do You Say that I AM?
Jesus asked the disciples, "Who do others
say that I am?" It was easy to answer
because it required no conviction, no
commitment, and no risk. But then he
follows that question with another, "Who
do YOU say that I am?"
-> Tell me about Who Do You Say that I AM?

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Creative Youth Ideas

Youth Camp Bible Study Series
Fruit Of the Spirit
Live the Fruitful, Abundant Life
Jesus Promised. Great for youth camps or
weekly Youth Bible Study. There are 7
Primary Bible study Sessions in the series.
-> Tell me about Fruit Of the Spirit

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