A single word can comfort, encourage or wound deeply. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). This article helps us reconsider the power of words in everyday life.
The Power of a Single Word in the Christian Life
Sometimes the smallest words leave the longest-lasting mark on others’ hearts.
Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church – People often say the mouth is a double-edged sword: it can save a life or destroy one. We tend to think only that we have a mouth and want “freedom of speech.” But even a few small, simple words can have an enormous impact on others. Let’s explore this together.
Jesus tells us, in fact He solemnly warns us, that our words matter. Every word we speak matters. “But I tell you,” He says, “that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36). Not most careless words. Not just a few careless words. All of them. This is a frightening thought for those who talk a lot, speak hastily or speak harshly. It calls us to repent and to guard our mouths carefully, and at the same time to guard our hearts, because out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Just as vomiting reveals the poor condition of the stomach, the words we speak reveal the sinful condition of our hearts.
If each of us will give an account for our careless words, how much more for our careful ones? Jesus is really arguing from the lesser to the greater here. If the words that spill naturally from our mouths in moments of pain or joy matter, how much more the words spoken carefully, thoughtfully and deliberately? Imagine every word we speak being recorded; how much more carefully would we speak into the recorder?
A few days ago, each U.S. senator was given an opportunity to speak. They did not get to say much, just a word, but they had plenty of time to prepare. These were not idle words or spontaneous reactions, but words weighed and carefully considered. They said a simple yes or no as they voted for or against the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which would extend legal protection to infants who survive an abortion. Of the 97 who voted, 53 said “yea” and 44 said “nay.” Since 60 votes were needed for the measure to advance, it failed. There would be no such protection for those infants.
There were many reactions to the failed vote, running nearly the full range of human emotion. Some rejoiced at what grieved others; others grieved at what caused rejoicing. Like many Christians, I was both angry and sorrowful. But I also felt something sobering. I found myself thinking about the 44 who chose one word, one calculated word, to vote against this bill.
Today they stood before the vote of a nation, but a day of judgment for the whole earth is coming when they will stand or fall before Another. They will be called to give an account for the word they spoke: one syllable, a few letters, carrying great weight. I can’t help but wonder how that “no” will sound amid the thunder, before the One who created life, who delights in life, who teaches us to protect life. I can’t help but wonder whether that “no” will echo in their minds and reverberate in their hearts as they face the terrible, immeasurable and eternal consequences of their words. And I can’t help but hope and pray and plead that before that day they will find a God who is willing and able to forgive beyond every imaginable limit.
Translated by: Translation Team – Communications Ministry, Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church
Adapted from: Challies.com
Using the Power of Words to Build Up
Notice the words you use most at home and at work. Are they encouragement or complaint? Ephesians 4:29 urges us to speak only “what is helpful for building up the one in need,” to bring grace to those who listen.
This week, choose a positive word like “thank you,” “I’m sorry” or “I’m proud of you” and say it more often. You will be surprised by the power of a single word spoken with love.
And if you have ever hurt someone with your words, don’t hesitate to go back and apologize. A sincere apology is also a word with power to heal.
You may also like: Let Your Yes Be Yes and Your No Be No and 6 Bad Habits Christians Should Drop.
Prayer
Lord, set a guard over our mouths. Let every word we speak build up, comfort and glorify Your name, so that the power of our words becomes a blessing to others. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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