The right Words at the Right Time Week 2 : Cut the Criticism

Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the message:

Day 1: From Criticism to Hope Reading: Galatians 5:14-15; Ephesians 4:29 Devotional: The Apostle Paul reminds us that love fulfills God's law, yet our words can either build up or tear down. When we constantly criticize others, we destroy potential relationships and intimacy. Our sinful nature gravitates toward fault-finding, but Christ calls us to something higher. Today, examine your heart: are your words reflecting the grace you've received? The same Jesus who forgave your brokenness desires to speak through you with healing words. Remember, you have no idea how one critical remark can pierce someone's soul for years. Choose today to let only what is helpful for building others up come from your mouth. Be a hope dealer, not a fault finder.

Day 2: The Healing Power of Words Reading: Proverbs 12:18; Matthew 12:34 Devotional: "Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing." Your words reveal what fills your heart. If negativity dominates your thoughts, criticism will flow from your lips. But when God's goodness fills your heart, encouragement naturally follows. Consider how Jesus spoke to broken people—He called sin what it was, then offered hope for transformation. The Pharisees accused; Jesus redeemed. Today, you stand at a crossroads with every conversation. Will your words wound or heal? Ask God to rewire the negative pathways in your thinking. Let the Holy Spirit fill you with His perspective so your words become instruments of healing rather than weapons of destruction.

Day 3: Jesus, Our Living Hope Reading: 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1:3-9; Titus 2:11-14 Devotional: Scripture calls Jesus "our hope," "the blessed hope," and "the living hope." Unlike the accuser who finds fault day and night, Jesus intercedes for us at God's right hand. He is the bread of life, living water, and Good Shepherd—each name pointing to His life-giving nature. When you grasp the magnitude of God's grace toward you, criticism of others loses its appeal. How can we pick at the speck in another's eye when Jesus removed the log from ours? Today, meditate on Christ as your hope. Let His transforming love overflow from you to others. When you truly understand how much you've been forgiven, you'll become generous with encouragement and stingy with criticism.

Day 4: Overflowing With Hope Reading: Romans 15:13; Romans 8:31-39 Devotional: Paul prayed that believers would "overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Notice this isn't self-generated positivity—it's Spirit-empowered hope rooted in God's unchanging character. Paul himself was the ultimate hope dealer, reminding believers there's no condemnation in Christ, that nothing can separate us from God's love, and that we're more than conquerors. Even when Paul corrected churches, he built them up with truth wrapped in hope. You cannot give what you don't possess. Are you drinking deeply from the well of God's hope? When you're filled with the joy and peace that comes from trusting Him, hope naturally spills onto everyone around you. Let God fill you today so you can overflow tomorrow.

Day 5: Becoming a Hope Dealer Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11; Colossians 4:6 Devotional: Paul closes his letter with a powerful exhortation: encourage each other, live in harmony, and the God of love and peace will be with you. This is your calling—to be a hope dealer in a world full of critics. You have no idea how one word of encouragement can change a trajectory, restore confidence, or spark faith in someone who's ready to quit. Your spouse needs to hear what you love about them. Your children need affirmation for their character, not just criticism of their mistakes. Your coworkers, friends, and even strangers need to encounter Jesus through your life-giving words. Today, intentionally speak words that build up according to others' needs. Point people to Jesus, the center of our story and the source of all hope.