Words

The tongue has the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21

You may, or may not, remember the most hurtful words that were spoken over you. Sometimes our subconscious hides words or events from us because they are too painful for our spirit to bear. But I’m sure you remember the most encouraging words you were given, because they have possibly changed your life.

I recently watched an Oprah show in which she shared how, as an 8 year old, sexually abused little girl, a young woman visiting their church had stopped and told her what a pretty little thing she was. Those words brought acceptance and hope to that little girl, along with the determination, as she grew up, to speak words of love and encouragement to others.

Our words are so important. Once they have been spoken they can never be taken back. The tongue is so powerful. In James 3 verse 6 we read…..”The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body…… and it is set on fire by hell.” In verse 2 of the same chapter it says that anyone who does not stumble in word is a perfect person, able to control the whole body. I know I haven’t reached that state yet! We all stumble in the words we speak but hopefully, as we allow the Holy Spirit more control in our lives, we will sin with our tongue less and less.

The admonition of James 1:19 is so wise – “Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to get angry.” David had it right with his prayer in Psalm 141:3 “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips.” When we say words that hurt others we sin against the Lord. He feels the wounds that we inflict on one another.

Our words are like seeds we sow. We can sow flowers or we can sow weeds, joy or pain. Can we determine this day to use our tongue to bring words of life to others? Words that will build up, encourage, strengthen and inspire. If you find it hard to say encouraging words you may find it easier to write a little note. The words will have the same effect.

You may forget the words of encouragement that you have spoken or written to someone, but they will not forget them. Your words may be the very thing that someone needs to carry them through a difficult time or to encourage them when they have failed. You may not know that they are life-changing when you speak or write them but God knows when to bring forth words of life for the person who needs them. Listen to those inner promptings and respond.

Finally, Matthew 12:34 tells us that “out of the abundance of our heart – what is inside of us – our mouth speaks”. If words of death are coming out we need to examine our heart and see what’s going on inside that is resulting in our hurtful words. We can then find healing for the bitterness, woundedness or anger that we are feeling, if we want to be serious about changing. We cannot ‘wash the outside of the cup’ and leave the inside dirty. Our words will betray us!

Prayer: Lord of life, forgive me for the words of death that I have spoken. Make my words a fountain of life because I have filled my heart and mind with your word which brings forth life. Amen