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?