What Do Your Words Reveal?
"But I tell you that men will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." -- Matthew 12:36-37
Words hurt. A careless comment, peppered with jealousy or resentment, can leave a lasting impression. Words change relationships. And they can never, ever be taken back.
All of us have said things we wish we hadn't said. We've all had moments when what we meant to say and what we actually did say were different. We've all been embarrassed and hurt as we've stumbled through this life. And sometimes we've even said things that needed to be said even though we knew there would be horrible consequences.
Those words are different from those meant to injure. Some people use words as weapons. And they're really good at it. There's no point trying to engage in a fight because you won't win. People who need to put others down, to criticize and condemn those around them, have hearts that are void of Jesus. They wound because they are wounded. It doesn't make it okay but it is easier when you understand that it really isn't about you.
Perhaps the saddest part of this is that some of those warriors insist they are Christians. But how can a person love Jesus, and carry that love inside them, and constantly seek to injure others? The two simply can't co-exist. Jesus is love. He loved us enough to die for us so we could have eternal life. How, then, as believers could we possibly seek to destroy others just because we think we can?
Jesus tells us that all of us will one day be held accountable for our words. As we go about our day, we should remember that our words reflect outwardly what lives inside us. Words have the power to heal and build up. Words can comfort and bring joy. And words can destroy. What do your words say about you? Thank about it.
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