The Power of Words

June 3, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.  Proverbs 15:4

 

Something To Think About:

 

~Has there been someone in your life who has wounded you through their words?

 

~Likewise, has there been a person in your life who has enriched your life through their words?

 

~Have you ever been told your words heal and help – or hurt and hinder?

 

     “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 Your words are a powerful force and must be teamed with actions. You can say, “I love you”, to your spouse, friend or family member, but if your actions say otherwise, your words are void as waste.

 

     Words reveal, reinforce and can reform the condition of our hearts – “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7 NKJV You can never hide what is truly in your heart – for it comes out by way of your mouth.

 

     Words provide reconciliation to a rocked relationship – “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18. You must not settle for broken relationships when an “I’m sorry” or “please forgive me”, can create understanding, trust, friendship and forgiveness. Will the words you want to say, bring happiness and healing; light, life and love? If not – think (long) before you open your mouth. To coin a phrase frequently spoken by my mother, “If in doubt, don’t” – says it all, doesn’t it?

 

     Words unleash faith – “I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength” Philippians 4:13. The nature of our words, have a highly predictive and efficacious quality. You can curse life with your words and bring it to pass, or choose to bless your life and the life of others.

 

     Read how James compares the tongue to a forest fire: “Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by all. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” James 3:5-10

 

     Today – will you unleash a tidal wave of blessing into your life and the lives of those you touch? Will your words heal and help or will you use ill-spoken words to hurt or hinder someone?

 

God Will:

 

Bless you for resisting the temptation to be unkind - “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9

 

Use your words to give others grace - “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

 

Judge your words - “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”  Matthew 12:37

 

Bless you for your kind words - “He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.”  Proverbs 22:11

    “As a tree gives fruit, healing words give life, but dishonest words crush the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4 Solomon put it another way: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Proverbs 18:21

 

Father God,

 

     Please help me to only say true and helpful things. Give me a pure heart – a heart like Yours – and let it start this very day, right now. And with every word that leaves my mouth, may it be a representation of You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

May it be said when the sun sets on my life that many of my dreams came true, I was important in the lives of others and I consistently and faithfully served Christ.  In the end, the last is all that matters.