Words are powerful. They matter. Words can ignite or destroy. As a Christ follower your words speak volumes. Words have the power to create distance or to close the distance. The words that flow from your lips and from your fingertips will either point people to God or push people away. You get to choose. This is a serious matter. We must weigh our words carefully so they have a positive and Godly impact and do not drive people away from us or, more importantly, away from God.

Scripture
Pr 18:21; 1 Co 12:27; Col 3:12-13; 1 Ti 6:4-5; Js 2:24, 17, 4:17

Verses
Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (Pr 18:21) Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense? (Js 2:14)

Thought
Christ followers cause damage when their words and their actions don’t sync. Don’t talk the talk if you don’t walk the walk. You discount your faith and cause others to distance themselves from God when your words and actions are inconsistent. You also cause damage with your words when you judge those who are struggling in their relationships, in their jobs, with addictions, with sin. When Christians set themselves up as judge and jury and decide to be the moral police in the lives of those around them, they cause irreparable damage. This goes against everything Jesus taught. Showing love, speaking words of hope and pointing people to Jesus should be our first response to broken people with broken lives. When you love someone as they are, where they are, it marks them. It closes the distance and allows you to influence them for Jesus Christ. Jesus was a servant and his humility drew people to him. When Christians become self-centered and me-oriented, they diminish their faith and push people away from God. Christ-followers should be about their Father’s business not about their own comfort or self-promotion. Not only do we need to carefully weigh the words we speak, but also the words we write, text, post, etc. What you post (and even what you “like”) on social media speak volumes about who you are. Be sure your posts, comments, likes and dislikes reflect only what is God honoring. Don’t destroy your credibility and reduce your effectiveness for sharing the good news by being wreckless with your social media. When Christ followers start living beyond themselves, loving and caring for others, and living what they profess, it moves people toward God.

Questions
How have words marked your life? What words of hope have you experienced? What negative words have hurt you? What is the most impressionable thing anyone has ever said to you? How does a person measure their words? Give an example. What inconsistencies concern you the most in those who claim to be Christ followers? What “Christian” inconsistencies do you feel have caused the most damage to Christianity? How does speaking the truth in love work?

Response
Be keenly aware of what you say to others, how you say it, and consider if your words bring life, hope and encouragement.

Prayer
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer. (Ps 19:14) In Jesus Name I pray, amen!