Note sull'episodio
Words can encourage or destroy
Our words have the power to give life. With them we can encourage and build others up
(1 Thess. 5:11). Our words can give comfort and guidance (1 Thess. 2:11; 4:18). We can praise God (Ps. 51:15; Heb. 13:15). We can proclaim the gospel (Acts 1:8). We can speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15).
But the same lips that give life can destroy-sometimes in the very same con-versation. With our words we can lie, berate, condemn, complain, brag, twist truth, and curse. Words can be weapons used to shame, deceive, or belittle others.
Once communicated (spoken, written, typed), our words cannot be retrieved. Like missiles sent to devastate, their damage is done. The same is true for life-giving words.
Once communicated, goodness grows.
Jesus said we will be held accountable for every idle word we speak. Our words will either justify us or condemn us (Matt. 12:36).
James acknowledged the difficulty of controlling our speech (James 3:8). How
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James 3:1-12
easily we let biting sarcasm creep into our communication, drop thoughtless words, or exaggerate the truth. How quickly we speak what builds us up and puts others down. Yet the Spirit promises to grant self-control to each believer.
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Scripture teaches us how to speak:
- with grace (Col. 4:15)
- with sound speech that cannot be condemned (Titus 2:8)
- with loving truthfulness (Eph. 4:15)
- boldly for Christ (Eph. 6:20; Phil. 1:14)
- to please God, not people (1 Thess. 2:4)
- to comfort others (1 Thess. 4:18)
- to edify others (Eph. 4:29) previous: James 1:19-22
next: James 4:1-10