Welcome to MONDAY 😉!
I hope you are refreshed, renewed, and ready for the week!
This week’s devo is “The Power of OUR Words” written by Amy Sapp. Please take the time to read…
Choose to make it a GREAT week!
#choosejoy
The Power of OUR Words – Amy Sapp
Let’s talk about OUR words and their effects. Words have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to glorify God or grieve Him. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Our speech reflects what is in our hearts and can be a powerful witness for Christ or a stumbling block for others.
The choice is YOURS!
Let us take time today to consider how we can glorify God by being more careful with our words.
I. The Power of Words
The Bible teaches us that words are not to be taken lightly. They have REAL impact. Proverbs 15:1 says: “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” This verse shows us how our words can either calm a storm or add fire to a conflict.
Think about the words God used in Genesis: “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). His words brought creation into existence. While we are not creators like God, our words can still shape the lives of those around us.
Consider this question: Do your words give life or are they destructive?
•Do you speak to encourage others?
•Or do your words sometimes hurt, even if unintentionally?
James 3:5 warns us: “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” Words can be like a fire HARD to control and capable of causing a TON of damage.
II. Guarding Our Hearts ~ Guard Our Words
Jesus teaches us that the tongue shows what is in your heart. In Matthew 12:34, He says: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” If we want to change our speech, we must first examine our hearts. Make a “heart” change.
Practical Steps:
1. Ask God to Purify Your Heart
David prayed in Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Make this a daily prayer.
2. Meditate on God’s Word
Psalm 119:11 says: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Filling your heart with Scripture will guide your speech.
3. Avoid Negative Influences
Proverbs 4:23 reminds us: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Be mindful of what you watch, listen to, and who you talk to. Negative influences can soak into your heart and then out of your mouth.
4. Pause Before You Speak
James 1:19 instructs us: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” Before responding in anger or frustration, pause and ask, “Would these words please the Lord?”
III. Words that Build Up
Ephesians 4:29 says: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Our speech should always aim to uplift and encourage others.
Encouraging Words:
• Speak words of gratitude. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
• Share words of hope. (Hebrews 10:23-25)
• Offer words of love and kindness. (Proverbs 31:26)
Avoid Harmful Speech:
• Gossip: Proverbs 16:28 warns, “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” Avoid spreading rumors or speaking behind others’ backs.
• Complaining: Philippians 2:14 says: “Do all things without murmurings and disputings.”
• Harshness: Proverbs 15:4 reminds us: “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.”
When we speak, let’s ask ourselves: “Will these words encourage? Will they draw others closer to Christ?”
IV. Speaking with Grace
Colossians 4:6 challenges us: “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Grace-filled words reflect God’s love, mercy, and wisdom. They are powerful tools in speaking life into others.
Examples of Grace-Filled Speech:
• Forgiveness: Instead of lashing out, choose to forgive. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us: “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
• Encouragement: Proverbs 12:25 says: “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” Speak words that make burdens a lighter load.
• Humility: Avoid boasting and pride. Proverbs 27:2 says: “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.”
Choosing Words that Glorify God
Let’s commit to being intentional with our words. Proverbs 21:23 says: “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” Being careful with our words requires discipline, prayer, and the help of the Holy Spirit.
Three Takeaways:
1.Examine Your Heart Daily
Psalm 139:23-24 says: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.” Ask God to reveal anything in your heart that may lead to unwholesome speech.
2. Speak Life, Not Death
Proverbs 10:11 says: “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life.” Let your words be a source of life and encouragement.
3. Rely on God’s Strength
Philippians 4:13 reminds us: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” With God’s help, we can transform our speech to glorify Him.
Let everything we do AND SAY… Be pleasing to the Lord!
https://www.sappsolutely.com/devotions/the-power-of-our-words-amy-sapp
