THE POWER OF YOUR WORDS – Are you speaking life or death?

The spoken word has power.  Power to encourage, motivate, inspire, build up, instruct.  The spoken word also has power to oppress, discourage, humiliate, control.

Scientists who work in string theory believe the smallest particle is not a proton, neutron or electron.  They believe it is a vibrating sound wave. After the smallest atom is split into its most simple form, the particle remaining is sound.

The Genesis account states that God used His words [sounds] to create every living thing on the earth.  Words are the most powerful thing in the universe because they are alive.

In John 6:63, Jesus said: “The words I have spoken to you – they are full of the spirit and life.”  Furthermore, Proverbs 18:21 indicates that, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue”.

Consider the words you are speaking today.  Are you speaking faith filled words that build you up or fear filled words that put you down?  James 1:19 tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak.  Think about your chosen words.  I challenge you to make a conscious decision to start speaking positive, life giving words to both yourself and others.  The impact is both immediate and everlasting.  Let me explain.

In Colossians 4:6, Paul urges us to, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”  The intent of this passage was not about acquiring foreknowledge in an effort to obtain supernatural responses to folks.  The goal here is to apply the principles Paul is exhorting: build up, instruct, edify, be useful and administer grace.  When practicing these in purity, you will be surprised with how God “promotes” your responses with wisdom.

While this instruction is important when engaging believers and non-believers, it is even more important with your spouse and family.  As a wife, husband, father or mother, your spoken words have incredible lasting power when spoken over your family.  Proverbs 15:4 states: “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”  Choose life giving words when speaking to your family.  Sure, Godly correction will be required but follow it up with loving and confirming words.  When you get it wrong, be quick to use these powerful words: “I’m sorry” and “Will you forgive me”.

Lastly, and most vital for the Christian believer, is to practice positive, Godly self-talk. James 3:10: “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”  Spoken words tend to “program” your heart with either success or defeat.  Start simple by confessing, “I am blessed, I am highly favored”.  Then switch gears by thanking God what you are thankful for and for those promises that are yet to come.  Confess favor on others’ lives and watch your own blessings come to fruition.  Once you have personally experienced God’s blessing by speaking life and health to yourself, it becomes very easy to speak life giving words to others.