Have you considered the life-giving effects of our words lately?
Think of a time you said something you regret, or were the target of someone’s hurtful words. Now, reflect on a situation where you encouraged a friend who was hurting, or felt the life-giving effects of someone speaking kindly to you. As it turns out, our words can be more powerful than we realize.
Words matter
Your words matter. And, God has given you the freedom to choose how you use them. Are you using your words to tear down or build up? To provoke destruction or initiate restoration? Do your words edify and give life?
“What you say flows from what is in your heart,” Jesus explained in Luke 6:45.
Fruit reveals the health of a tree, just as a tongue reveals what is happening in the heart.
Most of us want to use our words for good and not for harm … we don’t want to be unkind or critical. But, James 3 tells us that the tongue is unstable and cannot seem to be tamed.
So, what can we do? Is there a way to control it?
Self control
Self-control is a fruit the Holy Spirit produces in us, which means we can’t get there on our own. We cannot, in our own power, control our tongues. But, we do have a part to play in the process: we need to stick close to Jesus. His power alone will help us speak life and give us wisdom when we don’t have the right words to say.
When we read His Word, seek His face, and walk in His ways (no matter how many times we mess up and have to begin again), love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control begin to grow in our lives. The biblical term is abiding: staying, continuing, or remaining in Jesus’ presence.
Our words bring life
As we abide with Jesus, the Holy Spirit begins to guide the way we speak and change the way we act. When that happens, our words start to bring life and hope to the people around us.
Our words can bring healing
Today, how will the life-giving effects of your words bring healing and hope to people? How will you stick close to Jesus so that His power can equip you to speak life?
This post is part of the daily devotional found in the YouVersion Bible App.
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