Power - by Jeremy Duke

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host (Psalm 33:6).
The words of God have the power to create life and to bring blessing.

 As creatures made in His image and tasked to continue His work of creating in and ordering the world around us, it is fitting that our words have power too. We use words so often - in so many small ways every day - that it is easy to forget the power that every one of our words have. We have the power to create life and to bring God’s blessings, but due to our sin our words also have the power to destroy, bringing corruption and hurt. How often do your words bring God’s blessings? How often do they hurt others? 

 The bible reminds us in many places the power of our words: 

Proverbs 16:24 (ESV): Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. 

 Proverbs 15:1 (ESV): A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 

Compare this with: 

Proverbs 15:23 (ESV): To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! 

 Proverbs 25:11 (ESV): A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. 

 What has captured my attention recently is this: 

Matthew 12:34–37 (ESV): For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” 

 Our words have serious consequences - even to our own salvation! I feel guilty just thinking of giving an account to Jesus of every word I have spoken! I am so thankful Jesus has taken the penalty of my sinful words away, and in him I am free from condemnation. As his disciple however, I want to bring the blessings of God to others through my words. I want to consider how every word I say can bring His blessings and life to others. 

 Think about the last words you spoke to someone before you read this. Did they honour God? 

As you speak today, think about how you can choose words that honour God! 

 Pray with me: 

Lord Jesus, we want to honour you in our thoughts, words and actions. What we do with our lives is of great importance to you, so we thank you for modelling the way of discipleship and blessing us with your spirit to enable us to live a godly life. We are sorry for the ways in which we have dishonoured you, hurt others and brought death into your creation. Please use us to bless others. Amen!