Words can build us up. Words can break us down! Start a fire in our hearts or put it out.Let my words be life! Let my words be truth! I don’t want to say a word unless it points the world back to you, Jesus! ♥ Words are not merely sounds generated by air passing through the larynx or the smallest elements in language that may be uttered in isolation with semantic or pragmatic content. Words have real power. We read in Hebrews 11:3 that God spoke the world into being by the power of His words and we are in His image in part because of the power we have in words. Words do much more than convey information. Our words can mutilate a person’s spirit just as easily as a knife can murder someone. They can even incite insurrection and hatred. They not only incite wounds but inflict them directly. Of all the creatures on this planet, only man has the ability to communicate through the spoken word. The power to use words is a very unique and powerful gift from God. Though it is an intended gift, our words contain the power to destroy and the power to build up (Proverbs 12:6). Solomon tells us in Proverbs 18:21: “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit!” Are we using our words to encourage or tear down? Furthermore, our words not only have the power to bring us death or life in this world, but in the next as well. Jesus said: “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37). The apostle Paul wrote: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). The Greek word translated “unwholesome” means “rotten” or “foul.” If we are to become like Christ, then we should refrain from using foul, dirty language. For some reason, many people think using vulgar humor, dirty jokes, and foul language is liberating but this should not be present in the lives of Christ’s followers. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring (James 3:11)? Paul continues: “ . . . but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” This is redolent of his words to the Colossians: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” As followers of Christ we should emulate the example of Jesus whose words were so filled with grace that the multitudes were amazed (Luke 4:22). Christians are those whose hearts have been changed by the power of God, a transformation which is reflected in our words. As condemned sinners, our mouths are silenced before the throne of God (Romans 3:19), but as believers, our mouths are opened to praise and glorify God (Romans 15:6). Before we were saved, we lived in spiritual death (Ephesians 2:1-3). Paul describes those who are dead in sin: “Their throats are open graves” (Romans 3:13). Our words are full of blessing when the heart is full of blessing. So if our hearts are filled with the love of Christ, only truth and purity can come out of our mouths. Peter tells us: “In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Let the power of our words be used of God to manifest the power of our faith. Our words should demonstrate the power of God’s grace and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Enable me to use my words as an instrument of Your love, Abba Father. Let my words be life! Let my words be truth!
Posted on: Thu, 27 Jun 2013 03:03:58 +0000
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