The Power of Words
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day” Genesis 1:1-5
Oh, how powerful words can be! After the first day, God continues to create the world in 5 days. He did this by SPEAKING it into being, “God said”. The example of God’s power in words is amplified here, but also it’s importance. God could have easily snapped His fingers and the world be made in a mere moment. Instead, God chose to use His voice to bring about Creation. That should highlight how God sees the power in words.
After all He even calls Himself the Word.
“In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He existed in the beginning with God.
3 God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except through him.
4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,[a]
and his life brought light to everyone.
5 The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:1-5
Not only was the Word with God, it was God. This is in reference to Jesus, who was with God and is God as He made the World. Not only does the Word create, the Word brought light that cannot be extinguished by darkness. Therefore, He creates and protects.
The Impact
Before I became a believer in Christ, my words flew out of my mouth without a second thought or consideration. I would back talk my mom like I got paid for it, I cussed out my sister for not letting me wear her clothes, I bickered with my brother (who is 7 years younger than me) for no good selfish reason. The impact of the Holy Spirit and revelation of the power of words, brought me to a place of deep repentance. I look back and reflect on who I was before Christ and am deeply grateful for this radical change in what comes out of my mouth.
“18 But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. “ Matthew 15:18
My heart was very selfish…….and still is. Once I found Christ, it wasn’t an off switch. I have cussed since then and I have said things I regret. I have repented and allowed God to take that experience and use it to grow me. I fully believe that on this side of heaven will I never have my words perfect. I will say things in the wrong way, for the wrong reason, at the wrong time. Just like everyone else, if we’re honest.
You may be thinking, awww come on! Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me. We both know that’s not true. Here is a Biblical example of how God shows that words can be weapons against evil but also for our good:
“12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews 4:12
Let me give you a common example everyone faces as well.
We’ve all been there
You can’t tell me you have never gotten your feelings hurt, sure you shrug it off but it left a small imprint. You pick, would you rather have someone give you a complement like “Wow! I really like your shirt.” or “Wow, you look hideous, just go home!” Most people, would choose the first. It may make a difference who is speaking to you. Now read that again as if your mom said that to you, or a close family member. Ouch, right? It may only hurt for a moment or leave a lasting impression. Regardless, words hurt.
Let’s do some thinking, have you ever said something that you didn’t mean? Were you being mean to someone but didn’t notice? Have you told a lie to come back and bite you in the butt? Have you ever stood up for someone and fight for what’s right? Have you ever given your testimony? What about sharing happy news? Most likely you have. WORDS HAVE AN IMPACT! Use them wisely.
Continuously Pursuing
Like I said, this is ongoing for me. I can be a joy bringer or argumentative. I can encourage or tear down. I can be a Peter and stick my foot in my mouth and not even realize it. That takes talent (not good talent). Here’s what I mean. Peter (the one in the Bible) is very close with Jesus and can be wildly outspoken. He wasn’t afraid to say what he thought.
15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah,[d] the Son of the living God.”
“17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John,[e] because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’),[f] and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell[g] will not conquer it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid[h] on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit[i] on earth will be permitted in heaven.” Matthew 16:15-19
Peter uses his words well to proclaim Jesus as Messiah, which at the time was a very risky thing to do considering it would be blasphemy according to the religious leaders. Jesus commends Peter and announces (with His words) that he is the foundation of the future of the church. High Praise, am I right? Then….just 2 verses later, Peter sticks his foot in his mouth.
“21 From then on Jesus[j] began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.
22 But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him[k] for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!”
23 Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” Matthew 15:21-23
Peter spoke without realizing. I am often a Peter. Needless to say, God is at work through words. Take today’s world for instance.
BREAKING NEWS
If you haven’t realized it, the country is divided (there goes my sass again). Whether it be politically or over how we deal with COVID, the nation is not on the same page. We all have our very strong opinions and it is hard to keep them to ourselves. However, whatever we have to complain about, what help is it doing if you are just tearing people down? It’s not going to help anyone to complain to the wrong people, who can do nothing but give you some encouragement. Now, it may help us mentally and emotionally to put it all on the table, but let’s be clear, you are not going to please everyone. However, you can say what you need to say without being hateful and disrespectful. Trust me, I am speaking to the mirror. There is plenty that I can say over some very tiny stuff. Thank God and His goodness because He continues to show me He will make it right and some things are not worth wasting my breath over.
So keep this in mind, as I have said in a previous post, one day you will say your last word. Some one will hear it, your mom, dad, brother, sister, friends, other family, maybe just yourself. Will it lift or level? Will it better or burden? Helpful or hurtful? As a daughter of a cop growing up, you never knew when the last time was going to be to say I love you. As I got older and saw the scariness of the world, I made it an effort for I love you to be the last words I say to my dad before he leaves. I carried that over into my marriage as much as possible and throughout my life.
How Should We Speak?
There are many verses in the bible that tell us the importance of how we should speak. Here are a few that I personally see I need in my life, especially now. I encourage you to check out others that best fit where you are:
“19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19
“2 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.” Titus 3:2
“36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.” Matthew 12:36
“When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.” Proverbs 31:26
Be Blessed..
Here are some questions that I hope will bless you as you intentionally think about your words today.
- What was the last thing you said?
- Are your words life giving or life depleting?
- Where have you seen the power of words in your life?
- What steps are you going to take to use your words wisely?
I pray that this post reaches you in peace and grace as I share how God’s Amazing, Graceful, Marvelous Love continues to show me where I need Him and where growth happens. Thank you letting me share.
—LOVE, Amber
