The Power of Words – Read Col. 4:6
I believe that words are powerful. With words, we communicate the deep sentiments of our hearts. With words, we paint panoramic images on the canvas of peoples’ minds and cause them to catch an intangible vision and bring it to materialization. Words are so powerful that our God framed everything that never was and made it appear just by saying, “Let there be….”
It has always been easier for me to corral my thoughts and bring them into subjection with pen and paper than any other mode of communication. Through words, I can wrestle with debilitating life events and make sense of the unanswerable. It has always been through God’s Word that I have been most able to hear His voice and find His direction for my life. It is through scribing that I worship God. It is how I express His thoughts to me and others, and it is how I seek to bring others into a vibrant relationship with a loving God who is ever-present and ready to listen to our heart’s cry—even when the sentiment is a written word.
A passage that regularly crosses my mind is Proverbs 25:11. The English Standard Version reads, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Even if the written or spoken word is not your principal method of communication, they remain a required vehicle of expression. As such, we must consider how we are wielding this powerful instrument. Ask yourself, “How am I using my words?” “Am I building or destroying?” “Am I affirming or demeaning?” “Am I dispensing golden apples or rotten fruit?”
We each must be faithful stewards of the words we use. Embrace the admonition to “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (ESV). Seek to be a verbal power broker who uses words to elevate, encourage, and enrich those around you.
Copyright © 2021, D’Ann V. Johnson
Very thought-provoking! Love “verbal power broker”
Our Words Matter. Life and death is in the power of the tongue. We have to always be mindful of what we say.
This was definitely a good read. Sometimes I get into flesh and feel that I need to speak what I feel, which is not for correction, edifying or lifting up someone. The minute the words are released to the atmosphere, the Holy Spirit has already brought upon me conviction. I heard the guest preacher the Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, the presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church, speak on MLK’s BirthdayCelebration. He spoke on LOVE. No matter the ethnicity or political affiliation. So simple, so easy to say as a Christian woman of God. But Truth-Be-Told I find myself with biases and will find myself speaking ill will words. As you stated in this devotional we have to speak with seasoned savory words even in correction. Thank you for this devotional as a reminder the power behind the words that are released into the universe. Father help me control my tongue by thinking what I want, but saying only what is appropriate❣
Wonderfully written, I can express myself so well on paper, but sometimes stumble verbally. Thank you.
So true. Words are powerful.We have to watch not only what we say but how we say it. Thank you Dr.D
This reminds me that writing my words is a good way of expressing myself even when I don’t know how to say it. Thank you.
God gave us the power to choose. It’s the one freedom that we have and often, poignantly, we/I mess it up. I make better choices when I am truly connected to the Father and not my flesh. Thank you Dr. D’ for this reminder to use the freedom of this gift so I can be a true demonstration of the Christ I represent. Help me father to choose my words wisely with each conversation, text, email and nonverbal communication today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I know that I express myself better if I could write it, but that can’t be done everytime I say something. So I need to choose my words wisely and think before I speak. Thank you for this word.
This made me reflect on what I have said that could have hurt others. But, I thank God for transformation of my heart. I pray every day that God place a guard to my tongue. That I can build other up and share the love of God Almighty. I thank God for spiritual growth in Jesus name.
This was a great devotional. Life and death are in the tongue. I have to think before I speak. It’s paramount that I practice this. I never want to hurt anyone. Journaling helps me most times. It’s very lethargic for me. Plus, only God and I understood what I’m thinking and feeling. Amen!!!