- Words carry the power of death and life”(Prov.18:21).
- The tongue of the wise brings healing (Prov. 12:18).
- Our conversation-style should be grace-filled (Col. 4:6).
- The mouth says whatever is in the heart (Luke 6:45).
- Only speak words that edify and bring grace (Eph.4:29)
Lord Jesus, a few of us are old enough to remember the Sir Douglas Quintet, but all of us are familiar with many other “quintets”: Such as our 5 senses, the Jackson 5, a 5-day workweek, the 5 Solas, our 5 fingers, 5 points on a star, the 5 Olympic circles and many more.
But the quintet of Scriptures listed above impacts us on a daily—make that, on an hourly basis. Knowing our words carry the power of both harm and healing, death and life should sober us—but also encourage us. If we steward our words well, we can live as conduits of your truth, goodness, and beauty.
Since our lips reveal the treasure and preoccupation of our hearts, we choose to fix our thoughts, gaze, and affection on you, Jesus. Shock our sensibilities afresh with your steadfast love. Dazzle us with your kindness and tenderness. Delight us with your delight in us.
Jesus, since you only speak words of grace and life to us, why would we ever speak in a demeaning, disparaging—even in death-doling ways to others? You often say difficult very things to us, but never in a way to shame or harm us—only to edify and free us.
You only speak helpful, healing words to us. So, why would we ever knowingly use our mouth to bring disease, hurt, and a crushed spirit? Forgive us Jesus and change us. We long for the Day we too will only speak life, grace, and beauty. Until then, may we love you so much we will speak 100 healing words for every selfish, hurtful, careless syllable. So Very Amen.
