Most of us understand the power of spoken words, at least in some measure. It seems that we are surrounded by far too many words that are designed to tear people down. The bible says “if anyone does not stumble in his words, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body”. If we are able to tame our words we can tame our body and mind. That’s powerful.
Without taming our words our tongue can be an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and with it we curse men, who have been made in His image. Out of the same mouth can proceed blessing and cursing (James 3:6-10)
Life and death are in the power of the tongue. The words we speak have the ability to heal or harm. They bring reconciliation or division. By our words people are called into their purpose, and by words dreams can be shattered.
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18)
The devil has always been in the business of twisting words and causing fear and doubt. He wants our words because he knows how powerful they are. God’s word teaches us that we have unconditional acceptance and love, but the devil uses people’s words to undermine that truth. He causes words of judgments, criticism, sarcasm, negativity, complaining and gossip to spew forth from people’s mouth in the hope of hindering God’s purposes in people’s lives. People believe the words spoken to them.
But words of blessing have an amazing impact. Gentle words soothe and heal, bringing hope and refreshing. Words of encouragement strengthen the will and cause hope to spring up in our lives. Everyone benefits from motivating words of praise that lift our self worth. When lacking, too often God’s plans and purposes for our lives may never be actualized.
God’s plan is for us to speak words of blessing, life, health, hope, joy, peace, success, strength and goodness into the world around us. To speak blessing and not curses. Too often we do the devil’s job for him, saying what he is doing and the evil and havoc he is causing. But we are commissioned to preach the good news, to proclaim blessing and bring heaven to earth. We are called to impact with positive words.
Make a decision today to speak words of blessing. Ask God to put a “watch over your mouth” and cause you to be more aware of what sort of words you are speaking.
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! (Psalm 141:3)
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer”.(Psalm 19:14)
Our words matter. Let’s make them worth listening to.
Prayer: Lord thank you that you have blessed me with speech, and the ability to speak life and blessing into people’s lives. Help me to be a person whose words bring healing and reconciliation, and forgive me where my words have caused harm in the past. In Jesus Name Amen.