“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” – Luke 6:45
The words that flow out from us are a reflection of our heart and an indication of our internal health. Just as this passage in the book of Luke, the Bible is filled with scriptures that surround the power of our words.
In the book of Proverbs, it says that we have life and death in the power of the tongue (18:21). The book of James tells us to be careful of the tongue because it is like a tiny spark that can start a forest fire (3:5). Most importantly, God created the world by speaking (Genesis 1). God’s words are so powerful that He even named His Son “The Word” (John 1:1).
The Bible has a lot to say about our words, where they come from and the impact they make. Even as I think about the men and women who have encouraged me, I remember their words and how they impacted me deeply.
No one has had more impactful words than Jesus. As I recall His words, I’m reminded that Jesus’ message (the Gospel) is described multiple ties as a seed.
Whether we acknowledge it or not, we all have a gospel coming from our mouths. We all have a set of beliefs that flow out of us.
The message and words that come out of me, just like Jesus, is a seed to be sown. But, unlike Jesus, my seed can be good or bad. The seed can produce a healthy plant or it can become a weed of destruction.
The book of James describes it like this, “All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” (3:7-12)
We have words that produce life or death. We have two options, so choose wisely. The message in your mouth is life-building or life-destroying. Consider your words and weigh them often. Allow them to show you if anything is off within. Are your words mean? Are your words negative? Do you always seem to be saying the wrong things? Maybe, something inside needs to be healed.
Our call as Christians is to allow the Holy Spirit to give us a new language, one that reflects the teachings of Jesus and the heart of the Father. This isn’t something that just happens overnight. It is like a harvest within that grows over time. A harvest takes time and it takes the work of guarding against anything that may try to destroy the harvest such as pests and weather.
Have you been watchful? Are the words you are using going to produce a good harvest or produce destruction? Have you weeded out the bad and watered the good? Have you guarded the harvest that is coming from your heart?
I’d be willing to bet that you’ve allowed a few weeds to go unnoticed and have some language that can use some cleaning. So, pause today and bring yourself to God. Allow the One who sees all give you the wisdom you need. Take your heart to Him so He can adjust it. As you allow Him to adjust you, watch your words begin to change.
You and I both know that our words need to change. The words we speak to ourself, the words we speak to our spouse, the words we speak to our kids, family and friends can use some adjustments.
If you need some help in getting readjusted, get around a community of believers and do it often. If you are looking for a community of believers, we’d love to have you at Koinonia Church.
Chad Fagundes is Men’s and Outreach Pastor at Koinonia Church in Hanford, CA. He can be reached at chad@kchanford.com or 559-582-1528