Words!
It's quite fascinating that the totality of life would begin with words from God. Divine power would bring forth beauty in a plethora of ways, from the deep, vast universe to the intricacies of cells. Artistry, delicacy, and power would bring forth life. Brethren, as children of God, we too have the ability to bring life with our words. We must take into full account the consistency of our words. There is a responsibility and a sense of stewardship at hand. Being children of God, Our Father calls us to be set apart; he calls us to deny ourselves, and He calls us to walk in the Spirit. Being men and women of these things is also having words that reflect Christlike character.
Husbands, How do you respond to your wife?
Wives, How do you respond to your husband?
How do we respond to friends?
How do we respond to enemies?
Are we life-giving men and women with the very words we choose to bring forth? As children of God, we must stop and consider the weight of our words. May we understand that carnal desires will lead to hurtful and destructive words, those very words that will rip open wounds and hurt those whom we love dearly.
I exhort you to marinate on the things of God and the selection of words that come across our minds. It's not a matter of being men and women of good deeds, but rather being men and women becoming more like Christ.
You see, the essence of our words has the potential to uplift the hindered and comfort the harmed. With that in mind, let us run this race as workmen stewardly guarding our minds and hearts, and may our lips become effective tools in which the Gospel is brought forth as commanded and the words in which we use daily bring forth edification.
May your words of encouragement or rebuke be used for His Glory.
In Christ's love,
CJ
Verses for Reflection:
"Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!" — James 3:4-5 NKJV
"A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger." — Proverbs 15:1 NKJV
"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man." — Matthew 15:18 NKJV
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. — Ephesians 4:29 NKJV
"Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." — Proverbs 18:24 NKJV