Angry Words (Love One Another)

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Angry Words (Love One Another)
A Sermon based on the hymn by Horatius R. Palmer

Introduction
“Angry Words,” also widely recognized by its refrain “Love One Another,” is a deeply convicting hymn that calls Christians to measure their words and reflect Christ’s love in every interaction. Written by Horatius R. Palmer, the message of this hymn is rooted in the teachings of Jesus—particularly in passages like John 13:34–35, where our Lord commands: “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another… By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples.” The hymn reminds us that love is not just felt—it is expressed, especially in the way we speak.

Every verse urges the believer to be mindful of the destructive power of anger and careless speech, drawing from James 3:5–6: “Even so the tongue is a little member… and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” “Angry Words” is not only a warning but a roadmap for restoring kindness and cultivating peace, beginning with our speech.

Let us now explore this hymn verse by verse and uncover its message of restraint, kindness, and Christlike love.

Stanza 1
Angry words! O let them never
From the tongue unbridled slip;
May the heart’s best impulse ever
Check them ere they soil the lip.

The first stanza calls for restraint. Proverbs 15:1 teaches, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Words spoken in haste or frustration can leave lasting wounds. The Christian is urged to control the tongue before harmful words are spoken—guarding the heart, as Jesus said in Matthew 12:34: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

Stanza 2
Love is much too pure and holy,
Friendship is too sacred far,
For a moment’s reckless folly
Thus to desolate and mar.

Here we see how fragile yet precious love and friendship are. Just one reckless word can damage what took years to build. Ecclesiastes 10:12 warns, “The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.” When we truly value our relationships, we will not risk them over a moment’s temper.

Stanza 3
Angry words are lightly spoken,
Bitterest thoughts are rashly stirred,
Brightest links of life are broken
By a single angry word.

This sobering stanza paints the painful reality of broken relationships caused by uncontrolled speech. James 1:19–20 reminds us: “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” One thoughtless sentence, one careless outburst, can unravel the unity of a home, a church, or a friendship.

Chorus
“Love one another,” thus saith the Savior;
Children obey the Father’s blest command:
“Love one another,” thus saith the Savior;
Children obey the blest command.

The chorus rings out with a clear command from our Lord: love. Not just in sentiment—but in deed, word, and character. John 15:12 says, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” Love is not optional. It is the identifying mark of the Christian. And obedience to God demands that we reflect His love in how we speak and treat others.

Angry Words (Love One Another) Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• Central theme: Christian speech must reflect Christlike love.

• Key verse: John 13:34–35 – Love one another as Christ loved us.

Stanza 1 – Restraining the Tongue

• Proverbs 15:1 – A soft answer turns away wrath

• Matthew 12:34 – Out of the heart the mouth speaks

Stanza 2 – Preserving Precious Relationships

• Ecclesiastes 10:12 – Gracious words of the wise

• Proverbs 18:21 – Death and life are in the power of the tongue

Stanza 3 – The Cost of Angry Words

• James 1:19–20 – Be slow to speak, slow to wrath

• Ephesians 4:31 – Let all bitterness be put away from you

Chorus – Christ’s Command to Love

• John 15:12 – Love one another

• 1 Peter 1:22 – Love one another with a pure heart fervently

Call to Action
Let us take the message of this hymn to heart. Angry words do not belong in the mouths of God’s people. They break trust, sow division, and dishonor our Lord. Let your speech be seasoned with grace, your tone shaped by love, and your heart aligned with Christ. Obey the blest command—“Love one another.”

Scripture Reference List:

• John 13:34–35 – Jesus commands us to love one another

• James 3:5–6 – The tongue is a fire

• Proverbs 15:1 – A soft answer turns away wrath

• Matthew 12:34 – The heart influences the mouth

• Ecclesiastes 10:12 – Words of the wise are gracious

• Proverbs 18:21 – Power of life and death in the tongue

• James 1:19–20 – Be swift to hear, slow to speak

• Ephesians 4:31 – Remove bitterness and anger

• John 15:12 – Love as Christ loved

• 1 Peter 1:22 – Love one another fervently

Song History
“Angry Words” was written by Horatius R. Palmer, a music educator and hymn composer in the 19th century. Known for his focus on practical Christian living, Palmer’s hymns often addressed real-life struggles. This hymn was meant to reinforce the biblical principle of guarding one’s speech and embracing Christian love, especially in the home and church. Though written in the 1800s, its message remains timeless and much needed today.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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