Words have power

There are many people on this planet. We've probably noticed one or two of them. When we come into close contact with others, the way we interact can have a positive or negative effect. We may think that the way we speak to each other isn't a big deal, but the Bible says otherwise: 'The tongue has the power of life and death' (Proverbs 18:21 NIV). Life and death may sound a bit extreme, but words have an extreme impact - things that people say can stay with us for a long time.

God created people because he said it wasn't good for man to be alone (see Genesis 2:18). But just being around each other isn't enough. God calls us to be loving to one another, and this very much involves thinking about how we speak to one another. Are we encouraging? Are we kind?

We may think that it's no big deal to casually tease our friends - just banter, right? Maybe not? It's really a mean way of making ourselves look better. We should be helping our friends to be the best they can be; being human is difficult enough without harsh words.



So what now? Have a think about your recent interactions with your family, friends, workmates and strangers. Did your words build them up or bring them down? Ask God to help you use your words well. Then, ask God to show you someone to get in touch with to let them know how special they are. Words have power.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Let us think about each other and help each other.' Hebrews 10:24 NCV
— SOULFOOD —

1 Sam 8-10, Matt 26:47-68, Ps 54 , Pro 21:18-21