Words matter. What we say and how we say it can have a huge impact on us and others. Words have a certain kind of power behind them, because not only do they have meaning, but they create images and ideas and messages that can shape the world around us. And yet, more often than most, we tend to use our words loosely, allowing our emotions to speak rather than our reason.
Proverbs 12:18 tells us that, “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing,” and also from Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit”.
What a great reminder of the power that lies behind our words. So much so that it even causes us to ask ourselves, “Are we being wise with our words? Or are we being foolish? Are our words bringing life and healing? Or are they bringing pain and death? Are we using our words to build people up or to tear them down?”
The answer to these questions might be convicting because they reveal how thoughtless and harsh we have been with our words, but don’t let the devil shove that guilt in your face and pay no attention to his accusations. Because thanks be to God that we have Jesus’ words which cover our own; we have God’s words which bring healing and life!
Listen closely when you read and hear God’s Word. Rejoice often when His forgiveness, grace, and mercy is spoken to you. Rest in His comfort of His voice as He calls you His own. And shape your words, speech, and messages around His Word.
We have been called by Jesus to be witnesses of all that He has said and done. We are to use our voices to speak His words into this world. We are to use our own words to point people to the importance of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension!
There’s this song from Toby Mac that pops into my head now and then titled Speak Life. Not only is it comforting, encouraging, and catchy, but it serves as a reminder of how we are to use our words to glorify God and to care for our neighbors. Here are some of the lyrics:
So speak life, speak life, to the deadest, darkest night.
Speak life, speak life, when the sun won’t shine and you don’t know why.
Look into the eyes of the brokenhearted.
Watch ’em come alive as soon as you speak hope, You speak love, you speak life.
May we use our words to bring life and healing to this world. May we use our words to speak Jesus!
In His Service,
Pastor Noble