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(Proverbs 18:21) “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
SERIES 8: BECOMING LIKE JESUS. 8. Speaking words that give life (The power of what we say).
Following Jesus means learning to recognise the power of our words. We may think that what we say is only a few sounds that disappear into the air, but words can stay with people for years. A kind word can lift someone who is struggling. An encouraging word can give someone courage to keep going, - but careless, angry or cruel words can wound deeply - sometimes long after we have forgotten that we ever said them.
Jesus never used words simply to fill the silence. His words brought truth, hope, correction, forgiveness and life. He spoke to people others had rejected. He encouraged those who were afraid. He challenged those who were proud. Even when He spoke difficult truths, His purpose was not to destroy people but to lead them towards God.
Our words reveal something of what is happening inside us. When we are tired, frustrated or angry, it is easy to say things we later regret. We can justify them by saying, “I was only telling the truth,” but truth does not give us permission to be unkind. Following Jesus means learning not only what to say, but how and when to say it.
Personally, I am learning to use a simple three-question test before I speak: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? We would all benefit from knowing: will these words help or harm? Sometimes the most Christlike thing we can say is an encouraging word. Sometimes it is an apology. Sometimes it is forgiveness - and sometimes it is simply choosing to remain silent.
The people around us are carrying battles we may know nothing about. Our words can add to their burden, or they can help carry it. Following Jesus means using the gift of loving speech to bring life wherever we can.
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Let's pray, "Heavenly Father help me to be kind like You, to choose loving words, encouraging words, kind words..." Amen!
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URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS (Please keep checking as more are being added almost daily)