Sometimes I feel sorry for celebrities or politicians whose words are constantly being recorded by the media.  In the last couple of days I actually made these statements while teaching: “Biblical things are in the Bible” and “She would weep when she cried” and this is the worst one . . . “There was nothing special about Jesus.”

OK, so it’s obvious that I misspoke or the quotes were taken out of context.  I’m sure I gave people a good chuckle – but, WOW – don’t I feel a bit foolish!   (See what I mean about constantly being recorded?)  We are all bound to say things from time to time that don’t make sense or sound very funny if taken out of context.  It’s all part of being human.  Sometimes we just gotta laugh at ourselves.

Here’s the flip side . . .

Sometimes we say the wrong thing intentionally.

That’s not so funny.  We might find ourselves saying something that is not true or we may say something unkind.   Maybe we were angry or irritated and “didn’t really mean them” but, they were spoken out loud nonetheless.  Let me tell you something:

Words are important.

The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21 that we have the ability to speak words of life or death . . . words that build up or tear down.  Sometimes we forget how powerful words really are.  Remember the old saying you heard while growing up: 

“Sticks and stones can break my bones,

but words will never hurt me.”

Well, that was a big lie.  Words can hurt – hurt deeply – and last for a very long time.  We might move on and forgive the person (and we should) but, it’s difficult to not be affected by what was said.

Here’s a few questions:

1. What kind of words have you been speaking lately – the kind that build up or, tear down?
2. Do you need to apologize to someone for your words?
3. Do you need to forgive someone for the words spoken over you that weren’t so helpful?  (no matter how long ago they were said)
4. Will you ask God right now to help you speak words of life – words that will encourage and build others up?

If you can truthfully say the following words (or something like them) in prayer to God, they will be:

The most important words you will ever speak:

Dear God,

Although I don’t know all the answers,

I believe you exist. 

I wholeheartedly confess my failures

in this life (that the Bible calls sin)

and I ask you to forgive me for them all. 

Thank you for sending Jesus

to die in my place for that sin. 

Jesus, I want to make you Lord

of my life from this point on. 

Please come in and change me

 into the person you want me to be.

 I choose to follow you.  Thank you.

Now those are words of life! 

Friends, I pray that you will make the wonderful decision to speak kindly, lovingly, encouragingly, supportively, truthfully (with wisdom) always representing the goodness of God in whatever you say.  Ask Him to help you do that – right now – will you?

You can do it . . . I know you can!

Love you guys,

Steve 🙂

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 . . . 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. Eph4:29,31-32

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.  1 Thess 5:11