Words are not just words! Do you believe it? They are not simply sounds caused by air passing through our larynx. Words are immensely powerful. Our words reveal the state of our hearts. Words have the power to change lives. They have the power to motivate us and help us to live more intentionally. Think about your own life. How have other people’s words affected you and your life? What words have you held on to? How have their words changed your course or direction? How have their words changed your view of people or situations? Words matter. Words make a difference. Our words have the power to lift people, to help them get through a challenge, to push them into their destinies.
Words when spoken are filled with life. Words have power. They carry force. They have energy. Words can be a source of blessing or a source of condemnation. Words can diffuse a conflict or escalate it. Words can incite anger or invoke passion. They can bring people together or tear them apart. Words can uphold truth or nurture a lie. Soft words sung in a lullaby will put a baby to sleep. Excited words will stir a mob to violence. They can convince or reject people. Words can cause joy, happiness, or pain. They can be destructive or edifying.
Words have so much influence, so much force, that they can be used to encourage and build up – yet be used to destroy and break down. It is quite common these days that people use words to speak against and about others without understanding the consequences behind what they say. Before you spit out words from your mouth, think first because what you say can never be taken back and forgotten.
Angry words, sharp words, aggressive words cause barriers and defenses to go up. Sarcasm, insults, accusations, inevitably cause a conflict to escalate. These kinds of words make us feel attacked and when we feel attacked, we most often strike back. On the other hand, soft words, kind words, gentle and understanding words, can diffuse even the most hostile situation. These words convey calm, peace, and maybe even concern and love. These words lead to productive conversation.
The power of our words can destroy one’s spirit, even stir up hatred and violence. They not only exacerbate wounds but inflict them directly. How others react toward us depends, in a large measure, upon the words we speak to them. Our words live beyond us. They go marching through the years in the lives of all those with whom we come in contact. Let us pay special attention to the words we use each day. Words matter! What we say and how we say it, makes a difference. Only man has the ability to communicate through the spoken word. The power to use words is a unique and powerful gift from God.
Let us use words to build up people and not to destroy them. Let our words be filled with love instead of hate. Let our words be filled with blessings instead of bitterness. Let our words be filled with compliments instead of complaints. Let our words be filled with victory instead of defeat. Let our words be like tools to help others reach their goals instead of sending them spiraling into depression.
The Bible has a lot to teach us about the importance and power of words. Words are powerful, so powerful that God Himself spoke the world into being by the power of His words. Words carry immeasurable significance: The universe was created with a word; Jesus healed and cast out demons with a word; rulers have risen and fallen by their words. Therefore, we must be mindful of the words we use and watch what we say and think before we always speak.
Our words not only have the power to bring us death or life in this world, but in the next as well. Jesus said, “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). Words are so important, that we are going to have to give an account of what we say when we stand before the Lord Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:29, “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”.
Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits”.
Ephesians 4:31-32 state, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Luke 6:45 states, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”
Hence, let us watch our words. Let us practice and make it a habit, and a lifestyle of speaking words that build. We have the power to put someone on their feet. We have the power to keep others from falling into depression. We have the power to cause others to pursue their dreams, so let us use words wisely.
Remember: Words are the most powerful thing in the universe. So be careful with the words you speak. Keep them short and keep them sweet. You never know, from day to day, which ones you will have to eat.
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only and has now published Positive Living Volume 2. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. www.facebook.com/axawellnesscentre
