Choose Your Words Wisely

            “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3).

            And with those spoken words, earth’s canvas flickered to life. God spoke, and the world responded.

            Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been fascinated with words. These small, sometimes big, compilations of letters pack so much meaning. Words have the power to build up and at the same time, bring destruction. I’ve experienced receiving both types of words, and I’ve also participated in speaking them to others.

            Spoken words set into motion every animal and plant that we have the joy of marveling at. God chose to use words to create. Not only did God choose words to start our world, but He also chose to describe Jesus as the Word (John 1:1). I’d say those little codes are pretty powerful and important. The neat fact is God isn’t the only one who gets to use language to communicate; He also gave us the ability to speak, but with that gift comes a great responsibility.

            Proverbs 18:21 tells us that the tongue has the power to bring death and life (NIV). Sometimes, I’ve naively told myself that what I say doesn’t really matter, that it can’t really hurt someone. Haven’t you heard the famous saying? “Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.” I’ve heard that saying whispered to children, to me, from me, and everywhere else  I can think of. The problem with that quote is that it’s pretty much a lie. Words are powerful, and they can also bring death. That’s why we must be careful with our tongue.

            Someone once told me I looked anorexic because I was (am) so skinny, and some days those words creep up and haunt me six, long years later. Words do have the power to bring life and death. Don’t be mistaken.

            Ephesians 4:29 states, “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” (NLT).

            When we speak, our words should be chosen wisely. Think about the eternal impact your words can have on someone. You can either encourage them to live life to the fullest, or you can scar their mind and become a broken record to be played over and over in their heads.

            We can choose to spread death or we can choose to cultivate life. It’s our choice.

Living Life Together,

Rebecca Thomas