A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart,
and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:45 (NLT)
Dear Lord Jesus, when it comes to how we speak to each other, this Scripture is the bottom line, the “skinny,” the chase to which we must always be cutting. The main issue in life isn’t tongue control, but heart fullness. Whatever we treasure in our hearts will be reflected in the stream of our words. This is why we must preach the gospel to ourselves every day—before any other storyline or irritant, fear or fluff gains the preoccupation of our hearts.
The tongue has the power of life and death. Prov. 18:21 (NIV)
How important is the issue of our words? Don’t let us forget this one little verse, Jesus. We’re capable of bringing destruction and resurrection, great hope and incredible harm with our words. Help us choose carefully.
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Eph. 4:29 (NLT)
Jesus, you never command anything of us you don’t resource. So when you tell us not to use any “foul or abusive language,” you’re not exaggerating. Help us repent quickly when our words reveal an aggravated, compassion-less, mercy-void attitude. Don’t let us ever get used to hurting, shaming, or manipulating people with our words. There’s always a kind way to say even the most difficult things.
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Prov. 16:24 (ESV)
No words are sweeter and more life-giving that the grace-full words you speak to us in the gospel, Jesus. Right now, you declare us to be forgiven and righteous, fully known and greatly loved. May this awesomely good news impact every conversation we have today. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name.