How to Speak Life
Do you ever think about how much power your words have? Simple vowels and consonants weave together into immensely powerful bits of language that can irrevocably change the world.
After all, God spoke the world into being. When He desired to create light, “God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). If we believe we are created in His image, then we believe that our words have the power to change the circumstances and feelings and lives of those around us. When we doubt or ignore this knowledge, we unintentionally hurt those around us and the kingdom of God.
As a child, my mother always referenced Matthew 12:34. When I would talk back or say something a little too sassy, she would waggle her finger and quote, “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” This lesson has settled into the core of my own heart, as I realize that my words represent the truth living in my heart. My words represent Christ himself. And then I wonder, how am I representing my Savior?
Speak life. Your words have the power to set wonderful, beautiful things into motion. You have the power to make someone feel beautiful or simply to make their day. You have the power to encourage, build up, love, and care for people with what you say.
When what we say is radically different from what the world says, people notice. When you are kind, caring and encouraging, people notice. When you speak Christ into the lives of those around you, people notice.
Unfortunately, though, this is true of the other side of what we say as well. If you proclaim your faith, but you speak negatively, rudely, and crassly, people notice. When you argue and fight and bitterly snap retorts at the people around you, people notice. When you gossip or talk behind your friend's back, people notice.
As young women, it's easy to fall into a trap of gossip and petty competition with other girls. This starts somewhere in middle school and unfortunately, often lasts into adulthood. All across the world, the plot of Mean Girls become reality - in any social circle there is bound to be an outcast, bullying, gossiping and rumors. Alliances shift, envy is wrapped in a facade of friendship and at the core of it all is words.
“No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?” James 3:8-11
We cannot combine words of hope and words of condemnation in the same mouthful. We must choose whether we are going to use our words to produce joy and life and encouragement, or if we are going to use them to condemn and argue.
We are given a choice on whom we serve with our words. While actions are so important, our words are no less vital to the spreading of faith and to our own walks with Christ.
TIRZAH CHALLENGE: Today, tell someone how awesome/talented/beautiful/accomplished they are. And don't just stop at that: be specific. Compliment someone on a job well done on a recent project or praise a friend's sense of style. Encourage someone you know is going through a rough patch in their life with positive, selfless, Godly words. Do it with full honesty and openness, from the bottom of your heart. Warning: this can change a life!
As David said, “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord.” (Psalm 19:14). As you walk through life, remember that God calls you to speak life into the lives of those around you. Give compliments freely. Encourage the weary. Love people deeply and purposefully with your words. Empower your girlfriends to be the best they can be. Speak the Truth.
I guarantee you.... people will notice.
-CH