The Power Of Words

Our words have the power to give life. With them we can:

•  Encourage and build others up (1 Thess. 5:11). 

• Give comfort and guidance (1 Thess. 2:11; 4:18)

• Speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15)

• Proclaim the gospel (Acts 1:8)

But the same tongue that gives life can also destroy - sometimes in the very same conversation. With our words we can lie, berate, condemn, complain, brag, twist truth and curse.

Once communicated (spoken or written), our words cannot be retrieved; like missiles sent to devastate, their damage is done. The same is true for life-giving words, once communicated - goodness grows.

Jesus said we will be held accountable for every idle word  we speak. Our words will either justify or condemn us (Matt. 12:36).  James the apostle acknowledged the difficulty of controlling our speech (James 3:8).

How easily we let biting sarcasm creep into our communication, drop thoughtless words or exaggerate the truth. Yet the Holy Spirit promises to grant self-control to each believer.

Scripture teaches us how to speak:

• With grace (Col. 4:15)

• With loving truthfulness (Eph. 4:15)

• To edify others (Eph. 4:29)

• To please God , not people (1 Thess. 2:4)

• With boldness for Christ (Eph. 6:20)

We can do all things that God commands us  through Christ Jesus our Lord.