Powerful Words
Proverbs 18:21, Matthew 16:19, Mark 11:12-15
The Bible has much to say about our words and how powerful they are. Within the Scriptures, we witness amazing, positive events happening as words are carefully chosen and spoken. We see God creating the world. We also see Queen Esther saving an entire race as she boldly approaches King Xerxes’ throne.
Likewise, we witness what happens when we choose words which do not build, but instead are negative; Words that are designed to curse or destroy. With her words, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of a crime he did not commit, which landed him in jail. Jesus used his words to tell a fig tree that it would no longer bear fruit, and it did not ever bear fruit again.
Ultimately, the Bible shows us - and explicitly states - that death and life are in the power of our tongues.
When we truly believe what the Bible says about the power of our words, we become careful about how we choose our words, as well as what we actually choose to say. We begin to realize that everything we think does not actually need to be said. We recognize when it is probably best for us to leave something unspoken, and when we should speak words of healing, hope, and kindness instead.
When we do not believe what the Bible says about the power of our words, we carelessly speak in ways that are unkind, unloving, and ultimately destructive. We say whatever we think or feel without considering the impact it may have on others. If we continue in this pattern, we eventually become known for negativity, gossip, and unfortunately slander. All of these matters can be summed up in one word: death. Although it may not lead to physical death, it can and will lead to the death of someone’s hope, their dreams, or their belief in what God says about them to be true.
We should not use our words in a way that tears others down. Instead, we can use the destructive power of our words to our - and others’ - benefit. For example, what if we used our words to tear down something that’s divisive, or corruptive even? Something like sin? In Matthew 18, Jesus explains to his disciples that what we bind on earth is bound in heaven and what we loose on earth is loosed in Heaven. He mentions this just after He shares how to navigate matters concerning discipline within the church. More specifically, Jesus instructs us on how to handle (by way of speech) situations which involve someone being unrepentant in their tolerance of and engagement in sin.
In light of this passage, and many others, our words are to be in line with what God says about something; Those things that are a settled matter in heaven. Things that are in His will. In Jesus, we have the power to bind and loose, build and destroy. We can speak life or death. Talk about words having power! Do you truly believe this?
Remember, our beliefs about anything informs our actions in everything. We form patterns, habits, behaviors, and ultimately the way in which we live our lives by our thoughts about something. What would happen if we choose to fully embrace and believe what God says about the words we speak? What does a life fully resolved to speak the truth - God’s Word - into conversations? What could happen in the hearts and minds of others should we choose to only speak words that build, encourage, and bring life?
