“Reckless people use their words to pierce like a sword. But the wise use their words to bring healing.” (pp Prov. 12:18)
Gracious Jesus, I love words. I especially love the way you use words to bring us healing, freedom, and hope. You never shame us with your words. You never manipulate, spin, flatter, or harm us with your words, Lord. You neither mince words nor waste words. You alone have the words of life, and you are constantly speaking life to us through your Word, creation, and by our wise, Gospel-loving friends. Hallelujah, and thank you.
My prayer is simple and necessary: Grant each of us greater awareness, care, and stewardship of our words, Jesus. You taught us that words can bring great harm—even death; but they can also be a source of hope and life (Prov. 18:21). Grant us good grief and deep repentance when we misuse the sacred gift of words. There will always be a redemptive, non-contemptuous way to communicate hard and difficult things.
Since our words are an overflow and reflection of whatever is filling our hearts, we choose to “tank up” on your truth, goodness, and beauty, Jesus. No mere promise to avoid gossip, idle chatter, reckless words, or coarse jesting will be enough. We must constantly be preaching the Gospel to our hearts. May the overflow of your grace be obvious to those with whom we live, work, and play—even this very weekend. So Very Amen.
