The power of life-giving words
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love
it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21
Chuck Swindoll tells the story of a
young boy who lived with his grandfather in the Swiss Alps. The boy loved
hearing the echo of his voice. So often he would go outside, cup his hands
around his mouth, and shout, “Hello!” From the mountains he would hear his
voice come back and say, “Hello! … Hello!”
One day, the boy misbehaved and his grandfather disciplined him
severely. The boy was outraged. So he raised his fist to the sky and shouted at
the top of his lungs, “I HATE YOU!” Within a few seconds, he heard echoed, “I
HATE YOU! … I HATE YOU!” A pregnant pause filled the air. The boy was
heartbroken upon hearing his own words.
Very often, the words that seem harmless when they come out of
our mouths can cut like a knife when they’re heard by others. That’s why it’s so important as believers that we season our words with
grace at all times – to promote unity instead of division among the body of
Christ.
So before you speak, think. Don’t let your words be a reaction
to a momentary emotion. Instead, make the decision to speak words of life to
those around you. Choose your words wisely and speak with the ultimate goal of
creating unity with others!
Prayer Challenge
Pray that God would help you to speak kind, life-giving words
that would create unity between you and others.
Questions for Thought
Why do you think words are so powerful when it comes to tearing
down or building up others?
How can you be more conscious of the words you’re using and be
sure you’re speaking life-giving words to others?