“The tongue has the power of life and death…”
Proverbs 18:21
Yesterday, during my Sunday morning message, I encouraged the congregation to avoid any negative talk or comments as we embark on a new journey in the history of our church.
Our words have tremendous power. God used words to create the universe; He spoke the world into existence by them.
What a terrifying and fantastic tool we have right in our mouths! Our tongues have the power of life and death. Nothing else in Scripture (apart from God Himself) has this kind of authority: not money, our thoughts, or even our actions. So we need to be very, very careful about the words we say.
1. With our words, we can elevate others’ faith or eradicate it.
Our words have creative and destructive power.
-Words always have consequences, whether good, bad, or indifferent.
-Words affect outcomes and create self-fulfilling prophecies.
-The impact of just one word can reverberate in another person’s mind for a lifetime.
Think about how often you replay words in your head long after a conversation ends. Therefore-
“Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.”
~Author Napoleon Hill
Words are like seeds that will eventually produce sweet fruits or bitter roots.
“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.”
-Ephesians 4:29
2. How you talk about yourself determines your well-being
Your choice of words will either encourage or discourage you. You can, therefore, either be your worst enemy or best friend. Ultimately, you are the one who controls your well-being.
Over the years, I’ve learned this hard truth and found that the most challenging person I will ever lead is me and me alone. What I say to myself determines how well I do because I can’t speak failure over my life and expect to live successfully.
Similarly, you’ll become what you tell yourself you are. Keep saying you’re a loser, unworthy, and you’ll undoubtedly live out that expectation. On the other hand, keep saying you’re a child of God, a winner, and watch how you’ll start to live a victorious life. Keep your self-narrative meticulously biblically positive, and I promise you’ll see unbelievable results.
2. How you talk about others determines your growth
How we speak to others determines what is in our hearts. We build others up through our words of encouragement to them. For God’s Spirit to soar within us, we must speak to others the way God would.
God is not a God of condemnation and guilt. He does not tear others down. On the contrary, He lifts others with love and truth.
Gossip, slander, and secret whispers about people come from the snake, the Devil, who tries to divide and conquer people. We will never fully see our value realized if we constantly tear others down and talk negatively about them. Therefore, speak life into others and be a builder of people, not a people assassin. The more you build others up, the more you are built up. The more you tear others down, the more you will be torn down.
Have a blessed week,
Pastor (Rev. Elias Limones)
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