
Sermon: Harnessing the Power of Words: The Impact of Our Tongue
Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, I want to talk to you about something that holds tremendous power—our words and our tongue. The Bible has much to say about the impact of our speech, and as Christians, it’s crucial that we understand and harness this power for good. Let’s dive into God’s Word to discover the significance of our words and the responsibility that comes with them.
The Power to Build Up or Tear Down
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Our words have the power to bring life or death, to build up or tear down. Think about it: with our words, we can encourage someone who is feeling down, or we can crush their spirit with harsh criticism. James 3:5–6 (NIV) compares the tongue to a small spark that can set a forest ablaze. Just as a tiny flame can cause great destruction, our words—though seemingly insignificant—can have a profound impact.
The Importance of Taming the Tongue
James 3:8–10 (NIV) says, “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.” Our tongues are powerful, but they can also be unruly. We may use our tongues to praise God on Sunday and then use them to gossip or speak ill of others on Monday. This inconsistency should not be so.
Guarding Our Hearts and Minds
Jesus teaches us in Luke 6:45 (NIV), “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Our words are a reflection of what’s in our hearts. If our hearts are filled with love, kindness, and faith, our words will reflect that. But if our hearts are filled with anger, bitterness, or jealousy, our words will betray us. That’s why it’s essential to guard our hearts and minds, filling them with things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8).
Using Our Words for Good
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) instructs us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Our words should be used to build up others, not tear them down. We have the power to encourage, inspire, and comfort those around us with our words. Proverbs 15:4 (NIV) says, “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Let’s strive to be like that tree of life, bringing healing and refreshment to those we encounter.
The Example of Jesus
Jesus is the ultimate example of using words for good. He spoke with authority and wisdom, but He also spoke with compassion and love. He healed the sick, comforted the brokenhearted, and offered forgiveness to the repentant. Even when He was mocked, ridiculed, and crucified, Jesus chose His words carefully, praying for those who persecuted Him (Luke 23:34). As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His example, using our words to reflect His love and grace.
Conclusion
In closing, let’s remember the immense power of our words and tongues. Let’s choose to use them wisely, to build up rather than tear down, to encourage rather than discourage. Let’s guard our hearts and minds, filling them with things that honor God. And let’s follow the example of Jesus, using our words to reflect His love and grace to a world in need. As we go forth from this place, may our words be a source of blessing and hope to all those we encounter.
Let’s pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of speech and the power of our words. Help us to use them for good, to bring glory to Your name and blessing to others. Guard our hearts and tongues, Lord, and fill us with Your love and grace. May our words be a reflection of Your goodness and truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God bless you all.
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