The Power of Words

Today's Reading:
Matthew 11-12

I don't know about you, but sometimes my biggest struggle is my mouth. Words have power. The words we speak have power to heal and power to destroy. As a matter of fact, as I write this I have two Scripture passages typed out and taped on my computer so that I am constantly reminded to "give thanks in all circumstances " (1 Thess. 5:18), and to "do everything without complaining" (Phil. 2:14). In today's reading we are reminded of an important truth that we must never forget as we minister to others and speak into the lives of those we are called to minister to: we will have to give an account for every careless word we speak (Matt. 12:36). By our words we will be acquitted, and by our words we will be judged. There's really no room in our speech for negative, critical talk to other believers, but rather we are commanded to encourage one another daily (Heb. 3:13) and to encourage one another with the truth of Scripture (1 Thess. 4:18). How do you speak to others? Are you an encourager or a wounder?
Ask those closest you to learn the answer about yourself.

PrayerPoint:
Ask God to bring inner healing to those in need.

ActionPoint:
Seek to encourage two people each day for the rest of this week. Speak into their lives, send them an e-mail, give them a call, or send them a card, all with the purpose of encouraging them.