The Twelve Most Important Words
A transformative guide that will benefit all relationships
This simple, honest message is revolutionary—and deeply necessary for anyone with even a glimmer of faith in Jesus Christ. At the heart of every broken relationship lies a spiritual struggle, and the truth we must face is this: It is my pride that divides and destroys my marriage, my family, and my relationships.
But God, in His mercy, provides a healing path. That path is humility, a Christ-like virtue that reflects the heart of the Gospel. Scripture teaches, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Humility opens the door to restoration, both with God and others.
This humility is expressed through “The 12 Most Important Words”: “I am sorry. Please forgive me. I love you. I was wrong.” These words embody the Christian values of confession, forgiveness, unconditional love, and repentance—values lived out by Jesus and commanded of His disciples. When we apply them sincerely, they strengthen strained relationships, fortify existing friendships, and sanctify our souls.
These are not just valuable words—they are virtuous, grounded in the heart of God’s redemptive plan. In a world full of division, let us be ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18), beginning with our own hearts and homes.
Let us not only believe in this message—let us live it, in Christ.
AUTHOR BIO:
Jeff is a pastor, chaplain, teacher, mentor, pastoral care provider and an author. He lives with his wife Laura in Shelby Township, Michigan, and they have been married for more than 30 years. He is a father, a grandfather, a brother, a son, and a friend to many. He has served in various organizations over the years in the community in which he lives. Jeff is involved in discipling men in several churches, and currently has a home-based fellowship in Shelby Township where he serves as a pastor.
Jeff’s passions include reading, writing, teaching, mentoring, counseling, and discipling men. He is a life-long learner and shares his knowledge with the dozens he counsels and serves. He is also founder/president of GRAM (God Refines All Men, God Redeems All Men, God Restores All Men) Ministry. His ministry, of nearly two decades, has primarily been in small groups and one-on-one encounters.
Many long-established spiritual leaders have poured into Jeff over the years. He believes this spiritual capital God has poured into him should be invested into the lives of others. Jeff spends his days encouraging men to receive the grace of our Father in Heaven and to trust Jesus, His Son, as their life source and purpose.
CATEGORIES:
RELIGION: Christian Life - Relationships
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS: Marriage & Long Term Relationships
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS: Conflict Resolution
KEYWORDS:
healing relationships; healing from toxic relationships; healing from abusive relationships improving relationships; self help books; conflict resolution; conflict resolution in marriage; emotional intelligence; relationship advice; relationship advice book; godly relationship advice; improving relationships; healthy relationships; couples therapy
ENDORSEMENTS:
“This simple and honest message is revolutionary. It's crucial for you, me and each person with a glimmer of faith in Jesus. The solution for our relationships and peace is embracing and practicing this message: It's my pride that divides and destroys my marriage, my family and my relationships.
God's healing answer is humility which expresses the essence of ‘The 12 Most Important Words’ – Responsibility, Caring, Apologizing, Affirming Love. Let's embrace and live this by God's grace and power.”
Jeff Kemp, Author of “RECEIVE: THE WAY OF JESUS FOR MEN”
Founder - MENHUDDLE.com
“It seems an impossible task and bold statement to suggest that 12 of the over one million words in the English language are the most important, but Pastor Jeff Frick has undoubtedly done it. The importance of these words resides not simply in their direct meaning, but in their universally relatable message.
Jeff pastorally takes the reader on his personal, sometimes painful journey of learning the value of embracing these words and the insidious cost of neglecting them.
These are necessary words. Ones that when neglected ruptures and ruins relationships. These are powerful words. Ones that are deceptively simple, but undoubtedly profound. These are "holy" words. Ones that implicitly express our need for Jesus and inherently display our love for other image bearers.
These 12 most important words will strengthen strained relationships, fortify existing friendships, and sanctify our souls. Some words solely have value, others are intrinsically virtuous. These are assuredly the latter.”
Rev. Brandon Cleaver, Program Director - Matthew 5:9 Fellowship