Power of Words

We sometimes forget how powerful and lasting our words are, whether spoken, written, texted, or used in social media comments.

Throughout the Bible, we study the concept of words.

The Bible is God's Word. The Word of God is power. God SPOKE the universe into existence.

We are made in God's image. Are we foolish enough to think that God did not also transfer the power of words in creating those that be in His image?

We are made in God's image. Are we foolish enough to think that God did not also transfer the power of words in creating those that be in His image?

We hear James's admonishments and know the Proverbs and Psalms...we know there are ample warnings of how our words have weight. But do we really KNOW this in our hearts, minds, and spirits?

Think about it. Believing in Christ and having Salvation is not just an internal thing...we are taught that it is believing in our hearts AND confessing with our lips.

Yes, the Bible, refers to the spoken word...however, let's not think typed or texted or Tweeted communication is exempt.

Yes, the Bible, refers to the spoken word...however, let's not think typed or texted or Tweeted communication is exempt. We can be certain that every form of communication we use, even emoticons, fall under the purview of the instructions given throughout God's Word to be careful with our 'tongue.'

Foul language, name calling, insulting appearance, veiled or open racist comments, or any other speech that is lacking in love, grace, and mercy, be it verbal or non-verbal, is not the speech of a man or woman of God.

Do we slip? Yes.

Did I drop a few words that I could not repeat in church during the 2016 World Series? Yes. Do the trials and challenges of job, marriage, and other obligations in my life cause me to rebel against James's admonishments? Yes.

There is grace. We learn that His mercies are new each day...Thank YOU Father for that. We slip, we REPENT, then we seek not to offend God with our words. We are never called to perfection...but we are called to pursue it. We are called to pursue Christ-likeness in all things. There are no exemptions. There are no pieces of the pie we keep for ourselves and our sins and our flesh. We're called to give it all to Christ.

Our lives. Our deeds. Our words. Our SOCIAL MEDIA. Give it all to Christ. Honor Him with it. Take a gander at these samples from The Word...then consider whether you are doing right by God with your words.

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:6

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

"What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” Matthew 15:11

"From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:20-21

"But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless." James 1:25-26

"Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be." James 3:5-5, 9-10

"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1Peter 3:9

#OGHG #Words #GodsImage #James