By Cyndi
Words have power to create. God created everything from nothing with just His words. (Gen.1 — “God said…”) We also, being created in His likeness, have the power to create — not something out of thin air — but with atmospheres, with influence. Our words have the power to change conditions either positively or negatively.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue. (Prov. 18:21)
With the words we use we can speak life:
- encouragement, strength, hope
Or death:
- criticism, hate, judgement, condemnation
Lately God has been confronting me on this, exhorting me to watch what words come out of my mouth. Whether it be with my spouse or with strangers I try to find something to compliment or commend them on — their looks, their work, their children. “Oh, I like your new haircut, it looks darling!” “You should be very proud of your son, he’s becoming quite a nice young man.” Something positive to say that affects their identity. God always has good thoughts about us, so I’m trying to have good thoughts about others.
This, however, can be a little more challenging with ourselves. I tend to always want to criticize what I’m wearing or how I should’ve done better — belittling or negating myself in some way. Father God has been reminding me to not be so hard on myself. Would I say those same things to a friend?
Speak creatively over yourself and others.
Creatively — use words to create and build, not tear down and destroy.
There are plenty of negatives in the world as it is. God’s view is the polar opposite of the world’s. I like how The Message version puts Prov. 15:23 —
Congenial conversation – what a pleasure! The right word at the right time – beautiful!
Congenial — agreeable, suitable, compatible, adapted in spirit. Simply in our daily conversations we can search for ways to be uplifting and encouraging. In fact this whole chapter of Proverbs 15 has some good instructions on using our tongue. That tongue is such a little member but, oh, so powerful. (check out James 3)
We have the power to create with our words. Notice I used quite a few references of THE Word in this article for this very purpose, to build you up and charge you.
Let’s go to the Word to find the words to create life. Let’s speak creatively.