It seems like a lot of my parenting moments of late have centered around encouraging my children to understand the power of their words and/or helping them to navigate through the hurt they feel due to the powerful words of another. All too often we underestimate the power of our words and how they can either build someone up or tear someone down.

In Ephesians 4:29 we are challenged, “Do not let any unwholesome talk com out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” This verse hits home to me and helps me frame up my responsibility in being a person who uses my words wisely as a representative of Jesus.

A recent devotional that I read in the Bible App also brings the point home and reminds us that what we say to others matters and is a reflection of Jesus. I wanted to share it with you and challenge you to think about the power of your words.

Words That Build

Have you ever been a representative for someone or something? When you belong to a group of people, or you represent someone, what you say and how you say it matters. Anything you say is a reflection of the person or thing you’re representing.

As Christians, we are representatives for Jesus. Paul says that we are ambassadors or representatives of Christ because He is no longer physically on earth ministering to people (2 Corinthians 5:20). Instead, Jesus is working through His people to accomplish what He wants done on earth.

Since everything we say and do is a representation of Jesus, we need to choose our words wisely. When we use words to gossip and slander, hurt or damage—we don’t represent Jesus’ heart and character. But when our words are used to encourage someone, what we say has a lot of potential for good.

You’re probably familiar with the power words can have. Has someone ever said something to you that was painful? Or can you remember the last time someone complimented you? You might still remember how each of those situations made you feel.

You might not have been able to control what was said to you, but you can control what you say to others. So, take a few moments to think about the things you’ve said recently. Is there anything you’ve said that you need to seek forgiveness for? Choose today to represent Christ and His character by intentionally speaking words that are good and helpful.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash