Speak Life: Why Our Words Matter More Than We Realize

If there’s one thing the Lord keeps circling me back to, it’s this… my words. You’d think after writing about this topic more times than I can count, I’d have it mastered by now. But no, gurls, I’m right there with you. Half the time, I open my mouth and later want to take them back, but that’s impossible.

Here’s the truth no one wants to admit. The words we speak don’t just float out into the air and disappear. They land. They settle. They make themselves at home in our minds and in the minds of everyone within earshot. Eventually, those words become beliefs, and those beliefs turn into actions. It’s a little sobering when you stop long enough to think about it.

A few weeks ago, I was driving home from visiting my parents, and I turned on a sermon by my favorite pastor. Wouldn’t you know it… he was teaching on the power of our words. I wasn’t twenty minutes into the message before I felt that gentle nudge in my spirit, the one that says, “Pay attention, I’m talking to you.”

As if that wasn’t enough, later that night I opened my daily Scripture app, and wouldn’t you guess, yep, another devotional about words. Now, when the Lord repeats Himself twice in one day, even I can take a hint.

The devotional reminded me that God created the entire world with His words. Jesus calmed storms, healed the sick, cast out demons, and called Lazarus out of the grave… all with words.
Now, don’t panic, not a single one of us has that kind of power, but our words do carry weight. They shape the atmosphere of our homes, our marriages, our friendships, and our inner lives.

Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
²¹ The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

That doesn’t mince words, does it? Life and death. Hope and hurt. Healing and harm. All sitting right on the edge of our tongues.

I’ve spoken words I regret, and I’m guessing you have too. Maybe you were tired, frustrated, stretched thin, or had just listened to your husband explain, again, why he didn’t notice the giant pile of laundry in the middle of the floor. Whatever the reason, once those words leave your lips, you can apologize, but you can’t unsay them.

And then there’s Matthew 12:36, the verse that makes me sit up straight every time:

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

Every empty word.
If that doesn’t make your heart skip, your halo must be straighter than mine. I may not lash out often, but I’ve certainly had my share of unkind thoughts, and don’t even get me started on the times I’ve repeated something that wasn’t mine to repeat. Gossip may come wrapped in “concern,” but it still counts. And I don’t want those moments replayed on judgment day.

The good news is, the Lord never leaves us stuck. We can’t go back and erase the past, but we can repent, receive His forgiveness, and start fresh. Change doesn’t happen in a giant sweeping gesture. It happens one choice, one sentence, one moment at a time.

Pay attention to your words. When something slips out that shouldn’t have, don’t shrug it off; correct it in the moment. The more you do it, the quicker your tongue will get trained to speak the way your heart knows it should.

Start speaking life, friend.

Speak life into your faith.
Speak life into your marriage.
Speak life into your health.
Speak life into your children.
Speak life into your finances.
Speak life into your friendships.
Speak life into your purpose.
Speak life into YOU.

When you choose life-giving words, the atmosphere around you shifts. Your heart softens. Your hope strengthens. Your relationships deepen. And before long, you’ll see that the Lord really does transform us from the inside out.

To God Goes The Glory!

Have A Blessed Day!

Let’s End With a Prayer

Lord, help me slow down long enough to hear the words that come out of my mouth and the thoughts that form in my heart. Give me a gentle spirit and a guarded tongue, so what I speak brings life instead of hurt. Teach me to encourage, to forgive quickly, and to pause before I respond. Help me use my words the way You used Yours, to bring healing, hope, and truth. And when I slip, remind me that Your grace is still bigger than my mistakes. Make my heart soft and my voice kind, so others see You in the way I speak.
Amen.