Speak Life. Show Love.
What if every word we spoke and our actions reflected our love for God? Jesus taught us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Yet one of the biggest challenges we face is showing that love consistently. Especially in the way we speak about ourselves, to and about others. Whether that be through gossip, criticism, or just speaking to speak, we can easily hurt those God calls us to love. As followers of Christ, we are called to treat others the way we would want them to treat us. We are called to use our words to encourage and to build others up, not tear them down. When we truly love God, that love should be evident in how we love others, especially when we have been hurt by them.
In Proverbs 18:21, Solomon wrote, "Death and Life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
Our words can encourage, but they can also tear others down. Because our words carry such a big influence on our lives and on the lives of others, we have to be intentional with the words we speak over ourselves and others.
Jesus takes this truth even further in Matthew 22:39. He teaches that our relationships with others are a direct reflection of our relationship with God.
Matthew 22:39, "And a second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
If we are to truly love others as Christ has taught us, we wouldn't tear them down with our words; we would seek to encourage and build them up.
Choose kindness over gossip. Encouragement over criticism. And extend grace to others, as God extended grace to you.
I know this is all easier said than done. I have had my fair share of asking God to forgive me for running my mouth. But it takes effort to live out the Golden Rule. It takes praying every day for guidance and the strength and self-control not to say something that will tear someone else down. It takes remembering Matthew 7:12. "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you."
Before I even speak about someone else, I ask myself, "If I were in their position and they said these things about me, how would I feel?" This question helps point my heart back to God. It also helps remind me that my actions and my words are a direct reflection of my relationship with God.
Loving others is not always easy, but through the Holy Spirit, God gives us the strength to speak words that bring life. As you answer these quiet-time questions, take a moment to examine your heart and consider how your words and actions demonstrate your love for God and others.
Quiet Time Questions 💬
- What do my words reveal about my heart?
- Is there anyone I need to encourage, forgive or speak kindly to?
- Am I treating others the way I would want to be treated?
- How can I better demonstrate my love for God through the way I interact with people this week?
- What is one practical step I can take today to build someone up with my words?
