The Power of Words

 

Words can bring joy and words can bring pain.  Words have so many meanings, so many different powerful meanings.  But some people are careless enough to where they don’t worry how their words will affect other people.  They don’t think before they speak.  And not only do they not care how it could affect the people around them but as Christians, it seems we’ve lost interest in representing Christ very well with our words. 

Whether it be cursing, gossiping, making inappropriate jokes, talking behind someone’s back, lying, or not following through with what we say, our words have power.  And once spoken, they can’t be taken back.  I think it’s safe to say that every single one of us have been culpable of doing everything I just listed, at some point in our lives.  And maybe it wasn’t even intentional, but we’ve all done it.  And that’s why it is so important to think before we speak. Ask yourself, would I be representing Christ very well if I said that? 

There are plenty of verses in the Bible that talk about watching what we say.  Take Ephesians 4:29 for example, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”  The positive is being emphasized over the negative.  Being like Christ means we don’t use foul, dirty language. For some reason, many people in our society think it is “cool” or liberating, if you will, to use vulgar humor, dirty jokes, or cursing, but there’s no dignity in that and this kind of talk has no place in the life of a Christian. 

“But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).  Words are so important, that we’re going to have to give an account of what we say when we stand before the Lord Jesus Christ on the day of judgment. 

Matthew 15:18 states, “but the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.”  Jesus reminds us that the words we speak actually come from our heart.  When someone becomes a Christian, there is an expectancy that a change of speech follows because living for Christ makes a difference in our choice of words.  Our words also depict a lot about our character.  So be mindful of what you say, and how it will shape your integrity.       

What we speak, reflects what is in our hearts.  Your choice of words says a lot about you.  Are your words filled with complaining or cursing?  Or is it characterized by worship for the Lord and sound wisdom?  This shows what is kept in your heart, and if it is negative, or displeasing to God, maybe you should reevaluate what you’ve been focusing on.  When we set our hearts on the Lord, good, helpful speech will easily progress from each of us.   

What if we say something but don’t follow through with it?  Really think about the weight of what you are saying before you speak it.  Because people take words seriously, and if you just go around spitting out words for the sake of spitting out words then later on, no one will be able to take you seriously because half of what you say doesn’t line up with what you do.  If you say something, make sure you really mean it.  Otherwise it will get you into trouble later on, and then that is when trust starts to diminish.  I know that from experience.  Words can make you or break you.              

What you say is what you get.  Don’t expect to get away with saying stupid stuff, and then be treated respectfully and be held to a high standard.  That’s not how it works.  You pick the standard you want for yourself and live up to it.  Speak with dignity and use words that are filled with kindness and respect.  You’ll go far with that.