Words. Do we ever stop and think of their value? A kind word here, an encouragement or praise there. Or, on the flip side, a harsh word, belittlement or words spoken in anger. What value is there in either?
Proverbs 15:1 says: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Or,
Colossians 4:6 “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Hard to remember in the heat of the moment, or hurriedness of conversation. But, when I think on it, our words, my words have power. Power to build others up, or, tear them down. The ultimate example of powerful words is God himself. By his word alone, everything we see, feel, touch and experience was spoken into being- for us and our enjoyment. That is power. That is love.
Is my conversation like that? Seasoned with salt, full of grace, other-centred, gentle… Not always. Certainly not as often as I’d like.
In my group Bible study a few weeks back, I stumbled across a verse that made me sit and listen. As I read words that I’m sure I’ve read many times before I was smote with conviction.
“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37
Ouch. I felt the weight of that responsibility sit on my shoulders. Every careless word spoken. Oh, I’m sure there are many, and that’s just if I count yesterday’s conversations. But greater than those words in conversation are the words that I write. Suddenly, the story I am writing seemed to carry with it a greater responsibility. God will judge me on what I write, as well as what I say out loud. Now, if I am talking to you, than those words hang in the air for a moment and then are gone. Poof! Maybe you will remember them tomorrow, or even pass them onto someone else next week. Probably not, but words in a story, especially a published story, who will they speak to? What message am I giving? Am I building others up? Encouraging them, or imparting God’s grace? Or am I leaving a message that is not so nice?
Now, I fully believe that God can and does forgive me for the many times I mess up. For the many, many times that I wish I had just counted 10 or just thought a moment more before I spoke. My sin was paid for by Jesus. I have been acquitted. BUT, now that I know what God’s opinion is of careless words, I want to try my best to please him. To be his light, and to carry a message of hope, of grace, and of light through words of value in what I say, and in what I write.
What about you? Have you thought about your words, and the impact they have on others? I’d love to hear from you.
All the best as you write for His Glory, Lucy
Lucy Thompson 
This is such an important reminder. So many careless words come out of my mouth, as as writers, we have an even greater responsibility.
Thank you for challenging us all on this.
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Thanks, Adam. Glad you concur. 🙂
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Oh yes, words and what we speak out is often on my mind. Yet still I’m too quick to speak and often wonder afterwards if I’ve said the wrong thing.
Great post. Welcome to bloggyland
Xx
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Hi Michelle! Bloggyland, I love it! Thanks for the welcome 🙂
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Such a lovely reminder, Lucy. This is one of my weak spots, and I try to pray daily for the Lord to muzzle my tongue. I admit I am quick to criticize and can have an acid outpouring when provoked to impatience. Years ago the Years ago the Lord gave me a vivid dream where I saw His hand in the heavenlies holding an open Bible. It was turned to James. James includes a chapter devoted to taming the tongue, and I have held all instruction in that book dear to my heart. Thank you for your sweet words that the Lord is using to remind me to continually lay my weakness at the foot of the Cross. I pray that all my spoken and written words may build a bridge to His Kingdom and bring glory to His Name alone
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Exactly! For His Name alone 🙂 Thank you for your kind words, they mean a lot. 🙂
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Lucy, you are so right. Words are simply powerful, especially how when you can write something than can touch someone else’s heart and soul. Beautiful post.
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Thank you, Kristena 🙂
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So true! I love it in James where he talks about the power of the tongue as well. When you realise just how powerful your words are, it certainly makes you think about how you use them. 🙂
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Hi Amanda! Sure does. 🙂
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Great post. I just read the verses from Matthew this morning in my Experiencing God Day By Day devotional.
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Wow! How about that 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Elizabeth.
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What a good reminder, Lucy. Our words are so powerful. Our pastor just spoke this last week on the power of the tongue (our words).
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Thank you Ginger 🙂
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Good post.
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Thanks Dicky 🙂
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