The Power of Words
No human being can tame the tongue.
James 3:8
Have you ever spoken words that you wish you could take back? Words that have hurt someone, made someone angry, or made someone sad? And have you spoken words that brought smiles, making the person feeling better about themselves? Notice the power your words can have on another person. According to the Word no one can tame the tongue, then how can we gain control of our words?
But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned, (Matthew 12: verses 36 and 37). Our words are very important to God because they basically define who we are. From the above verse, its obvious God expects every Christian to control his tongue. The only way we can truly control our tongue is to have a heart filled with God’s love and compassion that seeks to speak kindly, helpful, and encouraging.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1: verse 19). Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can show self-control and shut down any angry words, and respond with Godly wisdom. If we are slow to speak and quick to listen, we will have time to seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit. The Spirit guides our thoughts and words and helps us to listen intently.
God gives us the ability to control our thoughts and our words. If our thoughts and words are controlled by people, and the events in our life, then we are a slave to the world. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery, (Galatians 5: verse 1). Imagine the benefit between responding with Godly wisdom instead of angry critical words.
Displeasing to the Lord are words directly responding from anger, or words spoken without thinking. Being slow to speak gives time to think and carefully select our words. He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction, (Proverbs 13: verse 3). The power of our words can hurt people and destroy relationships, and for this reason we are quick to listen and seek to understand the other person.
Today, be patience with your response and seek the Lord for guidance. Focus on understanding the other person and respond with Godly wisdom. Note how much better your day is when your words are encouraging and uplifting, with a heart filled with love that cares about others.
Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with love and my mind with patience, so I can respond with your wisdom and your love. Help me to lift others up with my words, and with a caring heart. Keep me from responding directly from my emotions, but to think before I speak. Let the Holy Spirit convict me, before I speak words that are displeasing to you. In Jesus name, Amen