The Power of Words: Choosing Life and Speaking Life-Giving Words

The Power of Our Words: Choose Life

Have you ever stopped to consider the immense power our words hold? The book of Proverbs reminds us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Our words have the ability to build up or tear down, to bring healing or destruction.

In today's digital age, our tongues extend beyond mere speech. With the advent of technology, our words can be written, typed, painted, or signed. In literate societies, our tongues include our hands and the tools we use to communicate.

The Destructive Force of Words

It's sobering to realize that people have lost their lives because of something that was said. Throughout history, tongues have been used as weapons of mass destruction, leading to holocausts and wars. Words have the power to incite violence and hatred, and they can be the death of marriages, families, friendships, churches, careers, hopes, understanding, reputations, missionary efforts, and governments.

But it doesn't have to be this way. We have the choice to use our words for good, to bring life instead of death.

The Life-Giving Tongue

Just as our words can be destructive, they can also be life-giving. The book of Proverbs tells us that the tongue can be “a tree of life” (Proverbs 15:4). Our words have the power to reconcile people, to bring about peace. Jesus himself said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9).

When we use our words wisely, we can build up marriages, strengthen families, and foster healthy relationships within our churches. Our words can offer hope to the despairing, promote understanding, and spread the message of the gospel.

Choosing Life

So, as we consider the power of our words, let us ask ourselves: What will come out of our mouths today? Will it be words that bring death or words that bring life?

Let us be mindful of the impact our words can have on those around us. Just as a sword can inflict wounds, our words have the power to hurt and damage. Let us choose to use our words to bring healing, encouragement, and love.

When faced with a difficult situation or a conflict, instead of lashing out with words that can wound, let us pause and consider how we can speak life into the situation. Let us seek reconciliation and peace, striving to be peacemakers in our relationships.

Biblical Guidance

The Bible provides us with guidance on how we can use our words for good. Here are a few verses that remind us of the importance of choosing life with our tongues:

1. Ephesians 4:29

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

This verse reminds us to be mindful of the words we speak. Instead of engaging in gossip, slander, or negative talk, let us use our words to build up and encourage others. Our words should be filled with grace and kindness, bringing life to those who hear them.

2. Proverbs 12:18

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Our words have the power to wound or to heal. Let us choose to be wise in our speech, seeking to bring healing and restoration. Instead of using our words as weapons, let us use them to bring comfort, understanding, and reconciliation.

3. James 1:19

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

Listening is an essential part of effective communication. When we take the time to truly listen to others, we can better understand their perspective and respond with empathy and wisdom. Let us be slow to speak and quick to listen, seeking to understand before we utter a word.

4. Colossians 4:6

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

Our words have the power to impact others, and we should strive to make our speech gracious and respectful. Just as salt adds flavor to food, our words should bring flavor and goodness to our interactions with others. Let us choose our words carefully, considering how we can best respond to each person we encounter.

Conclusion

In a world where words can cause so much harm, let us be intentional about using our tongues for good. Let us choose life with our words. Let us build up, encourage, and bring healing. Let us be peacemakers and ambassadors of love.

Remember, the power of life and death is in our tongues. May we use this power wisely and for the glory of God.