Words of Life and Light: Series Wrap-Up

This month we have looked at our words and how, as Believers with the indwelling Spirit of God, our words carry life and light.

light and life

We began by considering the power of God’s own words, first in the act of creation, and then through Christ, the Word of God made flesh.

Then, Ali brought us a close-up look at kind words in our homes. I was particularly convicted as she shared this verse with respect to the way our words build-up, or tear down, people within our homes: “A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.” (Proverbs 14:1, NLT)

Just as our words may build-up others, our words “spoken” to ourselves hold power, too. In her post on the power of our thoughts, Jaime asked, “Are my thoughts reflecting truth? Encouraging endurance? Leading me to Jesus? Or are they distracting, tearing me down by reinforcing lies?”

As Lisa shared, we have heavily leaned on written words for communication during this time of limited in-person gatherings. “Give them the time, thoughtfulness, and personality they deserve.”

Cheli hit the heart of the Gospel, and its transformative power in our relationships, addressing expressions of apology and forgiveness. “I want to be always ready to offer and receive forgiveness readily and freely,” she wrote. “I want to bear witness to the amazing love of Christ that forgives all my sin, so others may experience the light and life of God’s forgiveness as well.”

Our words are also used to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! We give thanks to God because of Who He is, because of what He has done, because of what He has given us, and because the Bible instructs us to. “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.

On Tuesday, guest author Bethany Williams reminded us to pause before speaking, taking time to listen for our part. “Even Jesus did not answer every question He was asked,” she pointed out. “If we listen in prayer and study, we can each discern which conversations God is calling us to engage in.”

Words of Worship

Finally, our words are one part of the act of worship. May our words bring Him glory. David wrote,

“My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day” (Psalm 71:8).

The Tamed Tongue

I would be remiss to wrap up this month without the acknowledgement that the tongue is admittedly hard to tame. In fact, James doesn’t mince words when he says we simply cannot tame it.

“For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:7-8

As a parent, I desire to encourage, but frustration may spill out instead. As a neighbor, my words sometimes come out snarky rather than honoring those made in His image. As a wife I want to build up my husband, but sometimes my words don’t.

But, bought with the blood of Christ, buried with Him, and resurrected with Him, we are a new creation! (Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

When our hearts are submitted to God, obedient to Christ, our tongues pour forth the fruit that comes from abiding in Him. Just as they asked Jesus who could be saved, we could ask Him, “who then, can speak words of life and light?”