Speak Life

SPEAK LIFE

“There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit.”

- C.S. Lewis, Preaching at an Oxford church in 1942

Words are powerful. They can wound or heal. They can motivate or discourage. They can shape the ways we perceive ourselves and the world around us. 

Everyone you speak to will live forever. Every person you speak to is made in God’s image. Everyone you speak to is loved by God. 

How would being mindful of those facts influence the ways we use our words? 

THE WORDS OF JESUS

Jesus said unbelievers will identify His followers by their love. One of the most important ways we display love or hinder love is through our words. Followers of Jesus are meant to embody the words of Jesus–and just as importantly the way He said them.  After all, the words of Jesus are Spirit and Life (John 6:63)

Jesus didn’t speak lies or half-truths. Jesus didn’t slander others to make Himself look better. Jesus wasn’t passive aggressive with His words. He also wasn’t abusive or berating. Jesus didn’t put others down. Jesus used His words to speak life, grace, mercy, truth, and reconciliation. He spoke to people as if they were human beings uniquely created by God–not projects to complete, numbers to add, or a workforce to leverage. 

Following Jesus, let us strive to use our words for:

Encouragement

“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.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Healing

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (Proverbs 16:24)

Joy, Prayer, and Thanksgiving

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

Blessing

“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:28)

Gracious Answers

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6)

Protection

“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who gossips separates close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9)

Wisdom

“The one who has wisdom uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.” (Proverbs 17:27)

Truth

“Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth to each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” (Ephesians 4:25)

Worship 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)

PRAYER

Jesus, your words are life. As we go about our week playing, working, living, and interacting with eternal beings made in God’s image–fill our hearts with your Spirit that our words would overflow with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.