Words Matter - Devotional

“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).

Written by: Krista Collins

What did you say? 

Words matter. Words are a much bigger deal than we think. Proverbs 18:21 clearly tells us, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

What are we eating? What are we serving to others? Whose kingdom are we building?Once our words leave our mouth they will land somewhere and on someone. Spoken or written they are going to be received. “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Our words need to match our responsibility. We need to respond in grace and not self, and to see others as Jesus does -- beloved, forgiven, accepted, valued. Just as important is how we respond to the words of others. We must remember that everyone holds a hurt we know nothing about, and our response to words that wound is vital. Hurting people hurt people, but grace is always the best and only appropriate response from a child of God.

So let’s be mindful of our words. Let’s encourage and build up others. Let’s love those who are hurting. Let’s extend kindness to one who may be cruel. Let’s speak hope to the hopeless.

Jesus, come and fill us with your words today. Help us to reach out and not in, and to speak up and not stay silent. Help us to use our words to build your kingdom.

“Respond in Grace and not in Self.”