Have you thought lately about the life-giving effects of our words? Words carry incredible weight. Maybe you can recall a time when someone’s kind words encouraged you, or when hurtful ones left a lasting impact. Whether uplifting or damaging, our words influence people more than we often realize.
Why Our Words Matter
God has given us the ability to speak, and with that comes responsibility. Are we using our words to build up or to tear down? To speak peace or provoke pain? Jesus said in Luke 6:45, “What you say flows from what is in your heart.”
Just as fruit reveals the condition of a tree, our speech reveals the state of our hearts. Most of us desire to encourage others, but as James 3 reminds us, the tongue is incredibly difficult to tame on our own. As a result, we can hurt people with our words.
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Can We Control Our Words?
The short answer: not by ourselves. But there’s hope. Self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. As we stay connected to Jesus, His power begins to change us from the inside out. We begin to reflect His nature, even in how we speak.
That spiritual transformation, known in Scripture as “abiding“, is how we begin to see lasting change. When we remain close to Christ through His Word and prayer, fruit like love, peace, patience, and gentleness begins to shape our responses.
How Our Words Bring Life
As the Holy Spirit works in us, we become more mindful of how our words affect others. We choose healing over harm. Encouragement over criticism. Truth over gossip. The life-giving effects of our words become a blessing to those around us.
So today, ask yourself: How can my words bring hope, healing, and encouragement? How can I remain close to Jesus so that my words reflect His love?
~This devotional is featured on the YouVersion Bible App.
Frequently Asked Questions
Words that are rooted in truth and love can bring encouragement, healing, and hope to others. They reflect the character of God when spoken with intention and grace.
The Bible says the tongue is difficult to tame because our words reflect our inner thoughts and heart. Without God’s help, we often speak from hurt or selfishness.
Stay close to Jesus. Through abiding in Him: reading Scripture, praying, and walking in faith; the Holy Spirit cultivates self-control and grace in your speech.
Confess it to God, apologize if necessary, and seek His help to grow. His grace is available to begin again and speak life moving forward.
