The Power of Words
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
God said, “ let there be light,” and there was light. God created land and sea, the sun, the moon, and the stars, just by His word. All the living creatures like animals, birds, trees, and plants were created by God’s word. There is such great power in God’s word that God spoke and the world came to be.
God made human beings in His own image and His likeness. The LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living being. The words we speak also have the same power as God’s word because we are in God’s own image and His breath is in us.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Our words can either speak life or our words can speak death. Our tongues can build others up or they can tear them down.
Let us examine ourselves, whether our words are loving or unwholesome?
Building words instruct, improve, build up, edify, affirm or promote growth. Loving words reflect God’s nature. Love speaks the truth for the good of the hearer and shows respect. Sincere love encourages and urges people to be brave and exercise their God-given gifts. We can encourage people by showing respect for them, even when their opinions are different from ours.
Unwholesome words use people as a dumping ground for worry, needless chatter, and negative information. Such talks harm people’s mental and moral well-being.
Soothing words heal a person with a broken heart whereas critical words judge and find fault. They tear the people down, beat them up, and focus on their defects and inadequacies. Sometimes we make fun of people without realizing that our words hurt them. Ridicule is a form of rejection and devalues people made in God’s image. It can also take the form of making light of someone’s sorrow. Sharp words include insults and curse words usually spoken in anger and bitterness.
The tongue with which we speak is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. Our tongue is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
Present your tongue to God as an instrument of righteousness and ask Him to fill you with His Spirit and watch God infuse your tongue with life-giving power. A quiet and gentle spirit is precious to God. Spirit-filled words provide the power and wisdom to harness the tongue. With self-effort and good intentions, we can’t tame the tongue. We need the power of God. Our words reveal who controls our hearts. A life filled with the Holy Spirit pours out blessing and thanksgiving.
Spirit-filled lips bless people and bring glory to God. Submit your heart to God and hand Him the reins of your tongue.
