Proverbs- Part 7

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21

Have you ever been on the brink of breaking down, then suddenly someone said something that gave you just the hope you needed to persevere? When I was in high school, I distinctly remember receiving a timely word that brought life to my uncertain spirit. As I was going through a phase of trying to figure out what my purpose was or what my future held, a friend reminded me of the value I possessed, the purpose I already had, and the belief that God was going to use me to do great things. While this was just a part of a regular conversation and the person who said it may never remember it, it left a lasting impression that strengthened my spirit.

 On Sunday, we learned that words can rescue people. Whether it be something as simple as a coach telling a player, “Hey, you did a great job,” after a rough game, or a friend sending a letter with just the right words of encouragement after a difficult loss, it is clear that words have power.

Unfortunately, on the opposite end of the spectrum, words can bring great pain. I think we have all encountered someone who has made a distasteful or sarcastic comment about our character that has left a bruise. The reality is, “just kidding” never seems to negate the pain caused by a quick remark. Words have power. Just as quickly as they can build a spirit up, they can tear a spirit down.

So how, then, may we become encouragers? How may we bring life to the hopeless? How can we avoid quick slips of the tongue that have the potential to cause great harm?

Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45

While words have great power, they are rooted in something much deeper. The way one speaks is merely a reflection of the contents of their heart. Likewise, we may become more encouraging when we allow God to transform our hearts into his likeness. When we choose to love people unconditionally as God has, we will be able to speak in a way that is uplifting. In the same sense, we will be able to avoid stumbling over distasteful dialogue. No longer will our hearts possess ammunition for relational ruin. Rather, when we let go of our feelings and allow God’s unconditional love to invade our hearts, we may become people who give life.

I challenge you, this week, to analyze your heart. Are you filled with unconditional love, grace, and kindness, or are you being held back? Are you hanging on to grudges, personal scars, or envy that is causing you to say hurtful things? As Pastor Aaron highlighted on Sunday, “The first step to transforming our speech is allowing God to transform our hearts.” I encourage you to surrender your troubles to God, and allow Him to invade your heart. Let our words not be the stones that break bones, but powerful voices that bring life. 

Written by: Tamara Sturdivant