Words Give Life

Scripture: James 1:26-27 (ESV)

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Devotional:

Sometimes it is not what we say to others but how we say it.  Our tone and volume can speak louder than the words themselves.  It is important to control what we say and how we say it.  I remember growing up hearing the words “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  What a lie that is.  How many times have you been told, or said it to someone else, that what people say can’t hurt you?  Only to have someone say something harsh and it cuts you deeply inside.  It leaves a deep scar.  Not a scar that people can visibly see but there is a scar.  Proverbs 8:21(ESV) “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit you choose.”

How many lives have been lost due to harsh words spoken?  How many lives saved from words of love and acceptance?  We have the power to harm, kill, save, or build up by what we say.  Not only what we say makes a difference but how we say it.  Do your words come out harsh or flat?  Do they come out sounding hollow and meaningless?  The words “I love you” can be meaningless to someone depending on how it is said.

I encourage each of us to not only think about what we say but to think about how we say it.  Do not let your words fall flat. Be sure to use your words wisely.  Let the Holy Spirit fill you and give you words to speak.  Words give life…