Daily devotion – its only words…
Words are very powerful are they not. The old nursery rhyme about sticks and stones may break my bones…but words will never hurt me…really does not tell the truth. How we all at some time have been on the receiving end of some ‘not so nice words’ and they have caused us real pain and anguish. Sometimes lasting for years!
The Bible talks a great deal about the power and damage of words. Here are just a few – Pro 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.
Pro 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Pro 15:23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
Pro 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Our goal as followers of Christ should always be to encourage and uplift. Instead of impressing others with ourselves, we want them to be impressed with Christ.
James gives us an amazing insight into the power of the tongue – Jas 1:26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.
Jas 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
Jas 3:6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
You can release the love and grace of God to a soul in need simply by bringing a kind word, a word of forgiveness or a word of comfort.
Sometimes by our not opening our mouths as well we can ensure that we don’t trample on a tender soul.
Job’s friends provided much needed comfort to Job, until they opened their mouths, and each attempted to give Job their thoughts on why he was going through such a time of suffering.
This is why the Bible tells us Pro 10:19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Let us use our words to praise God in the presence of others. Let us use our words to remind others of God’s love and grace.
May our mouths be under the restraint and guidance of the Holy Spirit each day – let us make this our own personal prayer each day.