Words have power. They cannot break bones, but they sure can break a heart. And a word well placed can soothe anger, create good will, and provide comfort. Sharp tongues cut like a sharp double-edged knife. They cannot be taken back.
“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.” (Eph 4:29).
Have you ever been cut by someone’s words? Have you ever cut others with yours? How did it feel? What did you think? Before we blame others, we must recognize we are no better at controlling our words than they are. We can’t expect others to have pleasant speech, if our own words are cutting, belittling, critical and condemning.
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| “Build Up” Art Quilt |
James Ch 3 tells us the tongue is a small thing but oh what damage it can do, like a tiny spark setting an entire forest on fire. Paul encourages us to not let corrupt words proceed out of our mouth, but to speak only what edifies others and imparts grace to the hearers!
We are encouraged to walk worthy of our calling by being led by the Holy Spirit. For we know, the Spirit knows what to say in every situation because Jesus Christ is informing Him. We need to allow our words to be Spirit-filled so we are honoring God with our speech and not causing other around us to stumble or be torn down.
Wouldn’t it be great if someone thought so highly of our words, as the writers of these verses so thought of God’s Word?
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11
How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103 NKJV
Stop and listen to the words of your mouth. Would you like to be on the receiving end of them? If not, it’s an opportunity to ask God to transform your speech into God-honoring, uplifting, spirit-filled goodness that blesses others around you.
Remember, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! Phil. 4:13.
Lord Jesus, fill us with your goodness.
Let your love shine through us
Let your love shine through us
and out of us to be a blessing to others.
Let our speech glorify you
and build others up.
In your name we pray.
Amen.