We should never underestimate the impact of our words; they are very powerful. In the Bible, there are around 30 verses that discuss the power of words. The devil is constantly working to try to shift our thoughts and words in a negative direction. We need to think carefully about the words that we choose to use each day and control our tongue. Focus on using kind, encouraging words, and not words of destruction.
In the Bible, Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” If you recount your thoughts and the words that you used this week when talking to others, did those words encourage others? Or did those words bring others down and discourage them? When I examine my own thoughts and words that I used, I know that some of them were not encouraging, but rather snide, accusatory, and unkind.
It is all too easy to be negative, rather than encouraging, and this is something that I think we all need to work on, as the devil will continually be trying to tempt us to use words that bring others down. I know that this frequently happens to me, and I need to catch myself and examine my words before I speak. Proverbs 15:28 says, “The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking.” When we find ourselves thinking and speaking negatively, we need to repent and ask Jesus to forgive us; then control our tongue and pray for uplifting words to speak to others.
All of us have the opportunity each day to speak words of encouragement and hope to the people that God puts in our life. Remind yourself to overlook flaws and instead encourage everyone around you. As Psalm 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” It is my prayer that as we all practice using words of encouragement, that we won’t be discouraged when we miss now and then. We can repent for anything wrong we’ve said and get right back on track.
