The Power of our Words
But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment.
Matthew 12:36
This verse is very difficult to obey because we all have said careless words that we wish could take back. Only Jesus never spoke a careless word, and he used minimum words to make his point. Our hearts drive us to never speak a careless word, however sometimes, we speak a careless word out of emotion.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; (Galatians 5:22-23) Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit that we need to use to control our words. To do this, we seek be in control and not let the world take control of us. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10) To control our words, it helps to be still inside and to have patience. A comforting way to walk with Godly wisdom is being still inside and taking control of our emotions. Being in control shows we are secure in Christ and we are controlled by the Spirit and not by the world.
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (James 1:19) If we are slow to speak, we will have time to respond from the Spirit with Godly wisdom. Otherwise, we may respond with angry or hurtful words. It’s satisfying to us when we take the time to respond with Godly wisdom, and it can become a rewarding habit.
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. (1 Peter 4:11) This verse also sounds very difficult, but the more we know the Word, the more we can respond with God’s Word. The goal is to have the Word guide us in our words, and the ability to insert Godly comments into our conversations. The more we seek to speak with comments from the Word, the less chance we will say a careless word. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21) This verse can apply to our words; if we seek to speak words from the Spirit, we are not seeking to speak careless words.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 NASB) If we can remain peaceful inside with the divine peace that comes from God, we can have control of our words and emotions. Having divine peace that comes from the Spirit will become desirable to us. It will give rest to our soul making it natural to slow down and control our words and emotions.
Today, walk in peace governed by the Spirit speaking words that are uplifting to others. Experience the fulfillment of being in control through the power of Christ which enables us to reflect Jesus to the world.
Prayer: Lord, help me to always have peace in my soul, and to be in control of my words and my emotions through your divine power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.