The Power of Spoken Words

There are many amazing statements that are made in the Bible. One is found in Proverbs 18:21. Here is what it says: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." Most of us could give examples of the negative ways words can be used to damage the lives of others. It isn't difficult to see how criticism, false accusations, gossip, slander and conspiracy theories can literally destroy a person's reputation and bring great damage to one's life. As teachers of the Word, we have the responsibility to communicate in a way that brings life to others. Below we find five ways we can use our spoken words to strengthen our communication skills and bring life to our hearers.

1. Use your words to bless others. In the Old Testament we see many times when a father passes on a family blessing. The priests were even given instructions on specific words to use in order to pronounce a blessing upon the congregation. When Jesus walked the earth, parents brought their children to Him so that He might speak a blessing over them. According to 1 Peter 2, we are now called a royal priesthood. Surely, we have an opportunity to intercede for others through prayer, but it also seems appropriate that we can speak words of blessing over others in this New-Testament role God has given us.

2. Use your words to encourage others. People are starving for encouragement today. There are two key Bible words here. The word for encourage is the same word used to describe the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. It means to "come along side." The idea is walking by someone to offer comfort and even counsel. The other word is translated "edification" in the Bible. It means "to build up." Encouraging words build up other people while offering reassurance and support.

3. Use your words to thank others. Very often, appreciation is in our hearts for those we serve along side, but they can never know that unless we express it in words. Marriages, friendships and even ministries are restored and revitalized when we express our gratitude in cards, emails and spoken words. One teacher built up a strong fellowship in her Junior High Girls class, just by sending out thank you cards to the girls on a regular basis.

4. Use your words to praise others. Gratefulness focuses on what a person has done to bless your life. Praise focuses on character qualities you see in a person's life. If you think about it, you can find some quality in another person's life that you can legitimately praise. Maybe she has a joyful spirit. Perhaps he is very punctual. We can think of people who are diligent and others who are flexible. The list can go on and on.

5. Use your words to share the Gospel. Especially here do we see how that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." The greatest thing that can ever happen to a person is for him or her to receive the Lord Jesus Christ. The ramifications are eternal! The greatest thing anyone has ever done for you is to tell you how to receive the eternal life Christ offers. The greatest thing we can do for others is to tell them of the forgiveness that God has made available in Christ.

Resource: lifeway.com