“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Proverbs 18:21

I’ll be honest. Sometimes I say things I don’t mean. I don’t always choose my words wisely. I tend to use sarcasm as a defense mechanism. I’ve over-promised my time because I don’t want to disappoint anyone. I’ve lied. I’ve cussed. I’ve hurt.

Words are a powerful weapon, arguably one of the most powerful of all. They have the capacity to motivate and inspire, compel and persuade, cut and irreparably damage. Are your words more likely to help someone or hurt them? Do the words you speak have purpose, or act only to fill the silence? When you speak, are you acting as a mouthpiece for Jesus?

God spells it out simply. Our words are life or death. They either breathe life into someone’s spirit or destroy it. There isn’t any middle ground. It’s black and white. The sound from your mouth is either a prayer or a curse. It benefits or harms. It heals or hurts. It’s poison or fruit. It’s life or death.

I’m a talker. And to be honest, I hadn’t thought about the power of my words until recently. I mean, I’m not a motivational speaker, coach or cleric. I don’t speak to crowds or sing to stadiums. What impact do I, or my words, actually have on the world?

Your existence matters. Your relationships matter. Your words matter. Speak life.

Your conversations have the power to reaffirm someone’s existence, to testify of God’s love and mercy, to proclaim love and acceptance over hate. How often are your words spoken to give God the glory? Our purpose is to manifest God’s glory, to bring others to His love and mercy. We can’t do that without prayer and guidance. Trust Him to give you the words you need in every facet of your life, for every relationship and situation.

Father God, thank you for being the master of all creation. Thank you for being the image of goodness and light. Help us to be your spokespeople, to be Your mouthpiece. Let every word we speak have purpose. Let us be mindful of the power of our words. Guide our tongues to be vessels of love and life. Amen.