The Truth About Speaking Life-Giving Words
Life-giving words create life-giving worlds when they align with God’s Word. (Click here to watch a message about the power of our words.) Destructive words do the opposite because they are at odds with God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will.
WORDS DON’T JUST COMMUNICATE; OUR WORDS CREATE.
Here are ten timeless truths to remind us to keep speaking life-giving words:
1) “Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” – Proverbs 18:20-21
2) “Words are themselves sacred, God’s tools for creating the universe, and our tools for bringing holiness – or evil – into the world.” – Abraham Herschel
3) “Nothing opens doors like please. Nothing mends fences like sorry. Nothing builds bridges like thanks.” – Mark Batterson (From his book, Please, Sorry, Thanks)
4) “Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating. The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.” – Proverbs 18:6-7
5) “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” – Mother Teresa
6) “We are masters of the unsaid words, but slaves of those we let slip out.” – Winston Churchill
7) “Words are free. It’s how you use them that may cost you.” – Unknown
8) “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” – Proverbs 15:1
9) “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” – William Arthur Ward
10) “An apology is a good way to have the last word.” – Unknown
The Apostle Paul taught followers of Jesus to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).
The bottom line is that words can create an environment of kindness and compassion or negativity and criticism.
Words spoken in anger and haste are like fuel on a fiery temper. On the other hand, wise words are like a refreshing glass of water on a hot summer day.
Our words can be a source of life or death, encouraging or discouraging, healing or hurting, lifting or tearing others down. Check out this complete guide on how to use the power of words.
Let’s choose our words wisely and use them for good!