The words we use are so important. Words say things and they mean things whether we intend them to or not. Christians are responsible for their words. You have been commissioned to use powerful words.
We have platforms available to us today that no other generation has had before. You can put your whole life out there so that your audience knows every thought and feeling you WANT them to believe you are feeling. But, it is a double-edged sword; it can get you a pseudo acceptance that you might think is enough, or It can ruin you, your reputation, and your actual life. I’m not sure it’s worth it. I’ve struggled with it.
Words Mean Things. We use so many words. Our use of words, videos, memes, and gifs translates into words that tell stories, make accusations, share courage, or withhold acceptance.
Ephesians 4:25-27 (NLT) So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
Words That Speak Truth
You Don’t Have to Lie. Why do we lie? Is it to be polite? Of course, people do ask us questions that aren’t really their business. They also ask questions that they don’t want us to answer.
How Do We Lie? We lie when we don’t share the truth that is within us. When we are not comfortable with something, we often go along to get along rather than say, “This doesn’t work for me.” We lie when we gossip, judge, slander, and criticize people. We lie when we withhold love, respect, and courage. It is as easy to lie without saying anything as it is to lie by speaking.
How Could We Tell the Truth? Jesus IS the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6). Truth comes when we see people as Jesus sees them. IT happens when we desire to build people up rather than restrict or restrain them. This is an alien concept to the world that you live in.
Anger is Worse than You Realize. Anger is like playing with fire while covered in gasoline. It is one thing to be angered or to choose an angry response, but it is another to let it control you. Anger that simmers and seethes within you will consume the things you love and need the most. But worst of all, it gives the Accuser a foothold. It’s a foothold for his prosecution and it gives him a “place” in your heart to build a lie.
Ephesians 4:28-29 (NLT) If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Words That Give Courage
We Can Give or Not. Surely Paul was talking about physical items, but what if he was referring to the power of words? What do our words do? Do they give or take? Do they fill or drain? Do they bless or curse? When I post, speak, text, or even think, what do my words do and how do my words touch the world?
Matthew 12:36 (NLT) And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.
Why did Jesus say this? It sounds important, doesn’t it? It sounds like it matters.
We Can Help or Not. Imagine the good your words can do. Your words could help someone dream again and rebuild their life. Your words can restore someone’s dignity. Has it ever occurred to you the enemies war against is for your dignity? Your words can give courage. WE can do so much better than the cliches that litter the church floors. We have scripture. We have prayer. We have hope. And, we have God within us. Not to mention – except we are mentioning – the Good News! Jesus died for this, all of it. Your shame, dignity, pride, sin. You name it, it’s got Jesus’ blood all over it!
Ephesians 4:30-32 (NLT) And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Words That Admit Your Identity
A Life that is a Lie. Imagine, a person is saved and redeemed by the glorious Good News of Jesus. But, they are filled with bitterness, anger, harshness, and the like. That’s a lie. That is not WHO they are; that is not their IDENTITY. That behavior grieves the Holy Spirit. It fills God’s Spirit with sorrow. Imagine the experience of God within you as you day in and day out lie to yourself and others about the wondrous, holy, glorious thing God has redeemed you to become. Who wants to feel as though they are bringing sadness to God?
Live to Bless. Bring the Words of the Kingdom you are from to everything possible. Heaven’s words are not Earth’s. Heaven deals in hope, redemption, victory, power, glory, and life. Bring the atmosphere of Heaven to every room you enter. You change the atmosphere when you enter a room. What if you lived to build every person you could? What if you spoke to bless every life possible?
