In What You Say

Happy Monday and welcome back!

I want to first thank you for each of your comments on the first post, they were so inspiring!

 The question of today is: what is meant by setting an example in what we say?

Last time, we had to think about the importance of our words. Do they really   hold any importance? The Bible speaks of the power of the tongue. In James 3:2-11, we see the tongue compared to a small spark that sets the entire forest ablaze. Our words can cause serious destruction if used carelessly. Sound like something that holds no weight? 

So short answer: yes our words are important. But why?

Upon thinking about this, 1Timothy 4:16 came to my mind.

"Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers"

This is the foundation of today's discussion. The scripture implies that our words not only have an impact on us but those around us. 

my hearer

It is our  responsibility to protect our "hearers" according to this scripture. Our peers, friends, siblings and so on. There are so many people watching us that we are unaware of and it is important we are a representative of what God calls us to be.

For me, one of the people I have to be the most mindful of is my little sister. She depends on me and my family to guide her to what is right and she is one of the most observant people I have ever met. Therefore what I say must depict what I believe in or more so who I believe in. 

Looking back at James 3, our words should be consistent and not used to both praise God and to insult/curse others. Rather, we need to learn to control our words and be kind to each other.

    When we proclaim that we are Christians, there is a certain standard expected of us. If we go around cursing each other and gossiping we would be hypocrites.

 

Proverbs 4:24 instructs us of exactly what we ought to stay away from.

 "Keep your mouth free of perversity;

keep corrupt talk far from your lips"

To wrap up, we are to set an example through our words by ensuring that what we say lines up with the word of God. Remember that we no longer live for ourselves alone!

Here are some websites I found helpful for this topic:

The Transformative Power of Words: Insights from the Bible

The Importance of the Words We Speak

Feel free to leave a comment about any other insights you would have had on the importance of our words.

See you guys back here next Monday, Lord willing, where we will discuss: how are we supposed to love?

Until next time,

Nyeka.