Words Matter

"Wise men speak because they have something to say;

Fools because they have to say something." --Plato

Words matter . . . what we say, how we say it, when we say it, why we say it . . . it all matters. When we speak, it reveals what's on the inside. Jesus said, "The mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart." [Matthew 12:34] What do the words you say reveal about your heart?


"Let no ...unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." [Ephesians 4:29]

"Let your speech always be with grace . . ." [Colossians 4:6]

Are your words wholesome or rotten? Do they edify (build up and encourage) or do they disrespect and tear down? Do your words give grace to those who hear?

Be careful not to justify your disrespectful (unwholesome) words with statements like . . . "Can't you take a joke?!" . . . "I was only kidding!" . . . "Joke! Don't be so sensitive!"

If your (our) words are not offered with grace and love, they are not fitting even to be spoken. Joking around is fun, but we often take it way too far . . . way beyond the "need of the moment."

". . . be quick to listen, slow to speak . . . ." [James 1:19; NIV]

Does what you want to say pass these three tests:

      1. Is it true?
      2. Is it kind?
      3. Is it necessary?

If so, speak the truth in love. Let your words be seasoned with grace.

Great lyrics by Hawk Nelson . . .

      Words can build you up
      Words can break you down
      Start a fire in your heart or
      Put it out

      Let my words be life
      Let my words be truth
      I don't wanna say a word
      Unless it points the world back to You

Worship Minister, Gateway Christian Church - www.gcch3.com