How to Speak Words of Life

"And what are words of life?  They are conversations that build others up, instead of tearing them down."

When you scroll through your social media, do the words and videos you see build you up or tear you down? When you read or watch the latest news in what is happening, does it encourage or discourage you? During the last conversation you had with someone, did it strengthen or weaken you? (Image from Coachrye.com)

Let me ask, “What are our words supposed to do for others?

Look at what God has to say, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29) Whether we are posting something online, messaging someone, or communicating with a pastor, parent or friend; religious or not, this is God’s standard for us all. We are to speak words of life.

 

And what are words of life? They are conversations that build others up, instead of tearing them down. They are text messages that encourage rather than discourage. They are calls that strengthen instead of weaken our family and friends.

 

What are NOT words of life? Flattery. Meaning, when you say or post positive things about others, with an agenda. In other words, you want something from them. It is the same about manipulative words, where things are said to get what you want. Flattery and manipulation are not words of life.

 

Where do our words come from? Jesus said, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart…” (Matthew 15:18) The things we say come from inside us. If we give words of love, truth and blessing to others – it comes from within. If we spew out curse words, name-calling and hateful language – it too comes from within. The words we speak, truly reveal what is deep inside of us all. 

 

What do these words of life look like?

 

When a father was nearing death, he brought near his sons to speak future truth and blessing over them. Jacob spoke to one of his sons, Joseph, saying “The blessings of your father are mighty beyond the blessings of my parents, up to the bounties of the everlasting hills. May they be on the head of Joseph…” (Genesis 49:26) These are impactful words of life spoken from a father to a son that would be remembered for the rest of Joseph’s days.

 

In a different situation, there was a king that secretly abused his power through an adulterous affair, and then murdered the woman’s husband. However, God saw it and dispatched Nathan the prophet to King David. For approximately one-year, the king’s actions had remained secret--until Nathan showed up. Then he declared to King David, “Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight?” (2 Samuel 12:9) These too are impactful words of life. How so? Because it exposed the treacherous actions of David, and gave him an opportunity to admit his failure, turn from it and seek the forgiveness of Almighty God. And because of that, he was able to live again.

 

Sometimes words of life come in the form of blessing and encouragement, while other times they take the form of rebuke and correction. In the end, they both seek to produce the same affect – life.

 

Our Creator desires all of us to speak words of life to one another. Yet, it is difficult because our natural tendency is to tear down. How can we change our ways and no longer use our lips to destroy, but build up?

 

The first step is admitting that we have fallen short. The second step is calling upon the one who created our lips, to transform us. This is why Jesus came to die and rise again, that we might be made new.    

 

A prayer for you – Lord God, we admit how we have used our words to tear down. We no longer want to use our words to do such things. From this day forward, by your power, we want o speak life toward others. Cleanse our lips and change us O God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.