Sticks and Stones

But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. – (Matthew 12:36, NIV)

I tell you that everyone will have to answer for all the careless things they have said. This will happen on the day of judgment. – (Matthew 12:36, ERV)

You can be sure of this: when the day of judgment comes, everyone will be held accountable for every careless word he/she has spoken. – (Matthew 12:36, TPT)

 

Yesterday, my pastor kicked off a series titled, “Sticks and Stones”. The main point that he was conveying in his message was the power held in our words. What comes out of our mouth, our very own words, have the power to direct, control and penetrate hearts. Our tongue has the power to heal or the power to wreak havoc all around us. Though small in size, it cannot be tamed by us on our own. In order to use our words for good rather than harm, we need His grace and His Holy Spirit. When we are slow to speak and weigh our words, we are far more likely to choose wisely that which we give a voice. I have been the recipient of both destructive and life-giving words, and receiving the latter leads me to go and do likewise. May we ever seek the Lord and His grace, so that our words are life-giving and bring healing to all those around us.

 

Our words have power, 

To change people’s lives;

Harsh words can destroy,

Yet kind words revive.

Gentle words stop wrath,

And love overcomes;

Wisdom will listen,

By grace, change outcomes.

We must use caution,

Use care when we speak; 

Choose words that build up,

Give strength to the weak.

May we choose the words,

That heal the broken;

Let love lead the way,

In each word spoken.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You remind us in Your Word how very powerful words can be. Thank You that when we seek Your grace and Your Holy Spirit, we find help to control our tongues that are impossible to tame on our own. Forgive us for the words we have spoken carelessly, as words without thought often leave a trail of pain. Teach us to slow down and seek You and listen for the words that You would have us speak, as Your words are life-giving and full of love, even when they are for correction or redirection. Show us how to love others with our words in a way that brings healing, help and wholeness to the broken places. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek Your wisdom for the words we are meant to say. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

I thank and praise You, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power. – Daniel 2:23

Action Gives Weight to Words

Be quick to listen,

and be slow to speak;

slow to get angry,

turn to God and seek.

Man’s anger will not,

bring a righteous life;

God does not desire,

such meaningless strife.

Get rid of all filth,

evil that prevails;

humbly trust His word,

His truth never fails.

We must not just listen,

we must also do;

all that He asks us,

we must see it through.

Faith without action,

is not faith at all;

empty words will lead,

to destructive fall.

For when we follow,

God’s word as He asks;

we find true freedom,

our blessing that lasts.

(Responding to James 1:19-25)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are called to be more than just hearers of Your word. Thank You that You ask and equip us to put our faith in action. Forgive us for our empty words and our inactivity, and teach us how to live a life that is continually built on setting our faith into action. Show us what You desire from each of us, and help us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, and persistent in trusting in Your promises. May our lives be led in such a way that our words, Your word, holds weight in the world around us, because we are living out our faith with action. May many come to know You through our active obedience to all that You ask. Let Your light shine bright in each of us. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present