When I was a child I remember being taught the song, ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.’ I remember rehearsing the song to try and make myself feel better, but I also remember feeling the sting of hurtful words and the damage they caused. Maybe children need to be taught that words are powerful and the things we say to one another can deeply hurt and impact one another. Proverbs 18:21 MSG tells us “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose.” We have the ability to choose the right words and impact our lives and the lives of others with our words!
Words have power. They carry meaning. We communicate with words. They are impregnated with purpose and intent. Luke 6:45 tells us “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.” Our words many times carry the essence of what is inside of us. We have a responsibility to choose our words carefully.
Hebrews 11:3 tells us:”By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” God’s words formed and shaped the Universe. His word is all powerful and of course we are made in the image of God, our words carry incredible power as well. We have the ability to shape our own worlds with our words. Our words can shape and shake the world around us!
As I have preached the gospel in the nations of the world, I have been reminded of the power of our words. When we preach the Gospel, when we declare the message of the Cross, lives are deeply impacted. I have seen Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, people from all races and religions come to the alter to surrender their lives to Christ. There is power in the message of Gospel! I have seen people come to the altar weeping, shaken by the power of the Gospel message. Our words are powerful!
The Bible says in Jeremiah 23:29 “”Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?”God’s word is so powerful, when we speak the word of God it has an impact, like a fire, like a hammer! Just one word from God can change everything. When the Centurion came to Jesus he said to him “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (Matthew 8:8) This Centurion knew the power of words. He knew what could happen with just one word from Jesus. His faith was in Jesus’ authority and ability. He knew Jesus’ words would make a difference and they did!
Today you might not feel like your words are making a difference, but I want to encourage you, you can speak life. You can speak good things. You can give an encouraging word to someone. Our words are powerful and we are incredibly responsible for them. I challenge you to choose to speak life today, you will be amazed to see what God will do!
