“The tongue can bring death and life” (Prov.18:21).
“The tongue of the wise brings healing” (Prov. 12:18).
“Let your conversation be always full of grace” (Col. 4:6).
“What you say flows from whatever’s in your heart” (Luke 6:45).
“Only speak words that edify, fit the occasion, and bring grace” (Eph.4:29)
Lord Jesus, there are many famous 5’s: The 5 Senses, The Jackson 5, The 5 Solas, 5 Fingers, 5 Spice Powder, and many more. But this quintet of Scriptures about our words should be more famous to us, and certainly more daily. Our words can bring both harm and healing, death and life. Several times a day we get to choose which it will be. That is HUGE.
Since our lips reveal the treasure and preoccupation of our hearts, we choose to fix our thoughts, gaze, and affection on you, Jesus. May your truth, goodness, and beauty capture and enrapture our hearts. Shock our sensibilities afresh with your steadfast love, tenderness, delight in us and kindness towards us.
Jesus, you only speak life to us. So, why would we ever speak death to anyone? In fact, in this very moment, your Spirit is telling our spirit that we belong to you and Abba, that we are his beloved children and your cherished Bride. Make this more real and precious to us than anything else, Lord.
Your tongue only brings healing. So, why would we ever knowingly use ours to bring disease, infection, and harm—crushed spirits, shame, and anti-grace? Forgive us Jesus and change us. We long for the Day we will only speak life, grace, and beauty. Until then, may we love you so much we’ll speak 100 healing words for every selfish, hurtful, careless syllable. So Very Amen.