THE POWER OF WORDS
05th Jun 2024
The Bible speaks of words having the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). Negative, harsh words can undermine and erode your confidence, leading to condemnation and effecting your self worth.
The Bible also talks about our enemy the devil whose native language is lies. “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44) He is also quick to add condemnation and rob you of peace.
Words are important as they can both build up, but also destroy, they can affirm or undermine and erode. This means we need to be very careful how we use our words.
We well remember how negative words spoken to one of our children by a school teacher had been very damaging. We had to counteract these words and seek to restore and heal his wounded confidence. Thankfully this worked and did not have any lasting effects.
We also can damage ourselves by the way we speak of ourselves. We can say, “I’m so clumsy, I’m always dropping and breaking things.” This can become a self fulfilling curse if we keep repeating these negative statements.
Jesus wants us to live in a place of peace, and to live speaking words that will build up and not tear down.
My husband Charles has recently had a hip operation, which has meant that I have needed to do all the driving of our car. On Saturday he told me that he had been comfortable with my driving and had full confidence in me. Those words were up building and life giving.
Psalm 141:3 says, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Our life is filled with words, we are constantly speaking to ourselves and to others. It is so important that our words are full of encouragement and faith. Jesus said, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” (John 6:63)
by Joyce Sibthorpe
