Life and Death

Posted by anthologycreative

Life and Death
Read This Passage: Proverbs 18:19-21

 “Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” —Proverbs 18:21

THINK ABOUT TWO friends who are alike in every way. They hang out together, shop together, wear the same clothes, and eat the same foods.

At the same time, they’re also so different. One always seems hopeful, confident, ready to face what she must. The other is quiet, almost scared, fearful of saying or doing the wrong thing. What makes them different? Words. The words that have been spoken to them have made the difference in their lives.

When we encourage those around us, lift them up, pray for them, and remind them of how special they are to God, it gives them strength. When we see those same people and choose to slam them, criticize, or make fun, we take away what we have no right to take away.

Our words are powerful. Stop and think about that. Your words are powerful. You can build someone up, or you can tear him or her down. As a follower of Christ, what will you choose to do?

Proverbs 18:21 says it so clearly. Life and death are in the power of the tongue. We can build people up, show them Christ, and be a living example of love and grace. Or we can spend our time and our words tearing others down. Words sometimes do more than hurt people; sometimes they destroy them. Think about the terrible things people have said to you—the things that stick in your mind and repeatedly convince you that you’re not worth it and that God couldn’t love you.

God created the universe using only words. If God created the universe using the power of words, how carefully should we consider our words?

Real Choices
Think about the things you’ve said today. Did you bring life or death to those around you with your words?

Digging Deeper
Read 2 Timothy 2:14-16. What is irreverent, empty speech? How many of the things you say would fall into that category?

Pray
Ask God to remind you of the importance of your words before you speak them.

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