“Give me liberty or give me death.” Patrick Henry
“We the People of these United States of America…” US Constitution
“God shed His grace on thee…” Katharine Bates
“Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty we are free at last.” Martin Luther King Jr.
“Let Us make man in Our image.” God
“Follow Me.” Jesus
Since the beginning of time men and women have made a huge impact on this world by the power of their speeches, songs, and quotes. The power of these spoken words literally changed the course of history. Wars were started, people were set free, and lives were forever changed because of a passion, a vision, or a dream that was placed in someone’s heart and expressed through the extraordinary use of their words.
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34b
Have you ever thought about how powerful spoken words are? They can influence a person or a generation in a matter of seconds from the moment they are spoken, and that influence can be positive or it can be negative.
I remember a time when we were traveling home from visiting family for Thanksgiving. My oldest son was three, and he was the first to wake up at the Bed and Breakfast where we were staying. He took a look outside and ran to my husband screaming, ”Daddy, it’s snowing outside!!” (Yes, we are from Texas, and to a three year old this is a phenomenon!!) In disbelief because we were staying in a tiny town in southern New Mexico, a mile or so from the border, my husband quickly responded, ”No, it’s not.” Without saying anything else, my son just went about his three-year-old business. I then woke up and took a glance outside to see this beautiful white blanket of snow covering the ground.
I raced to get my son and show him this magnificent sight. I picked him up to show him how it was snowing, and without hesitating he responded with, “No Mommy, it’s not snowing. Daddy said it isn’t snowing.” What? The evidence of the snow was right in front of his face, but because the position and authority his daddy had in his life, my three year old believed that Daddy’s words were truer than what he could see with his natural eyes. It was more than just telling him there was no snow; it was the power and authority that were behind the words, which were spoken.
Everything he knew up until that point of his little life had been taught from mommy and daddy. His innocence overruled his knowledge and he believed without blinking an eye. That is the power of words.
Revisiting this unforgettable moment got me thinking about the power we carry in our spoken words. The Lord began to put this so deeply on my heart; I asked Him, ”Why do You want me to write about the power of spoken words?” I heard nothing in return. How ironic is it that when I asked Him about the power of spoken words, He is silent?
Days passed by and boy, were my words being put to the test. Sad to say, I did not pass the test. In fact, I failed miserably. I know that I have the power to choose life or death with my words, and let me just say there was a crusade going on at my house.
“Blessings and cursing come out of the same mouth, my brothers (sisters) these things ought not be so.” James 3:10
I find it very interesting that anytime the Lord puts something on my heart, I am tested in that way almost immediately.
Through this whole time the Lord was teaching me about the power of my words, I was tested. Situations and events were occurring where I had a choice to choose how I was going to respond, and to be honest I chose poorly; in fact, to be completely honest, I chose poorly just this morning. (Keepin’ it real.)
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 16:1
I unleashed a barrage of words that frustrated my family and myself, and I realized I have a weakness here with my sharp tongue. It was easy for me to use it to lash out when I was angry until my desire moved from trying to tame it myself to choosing to rely on the true Word of God that says, “In my weakness, You are made strong.” He MUST be very strong because this girl is pretty weak without Him. It is one of the most important things I can do: submit my tongue to Him and humble myself to those that I hurt in order to move forward out of the rut in which I constantly seem stuck.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
I am so eternally grateful that God is not a one-hit wonder. His mercies are new every morning and His power is limitless and endless. Although I don’t get it right every time, the tongue is a muscle that is being worked on daily. I love to serve Him and desire to live righteous not because of anything I can do, but because of what He already did! His grace is all I need.
God Himself spoke the world into existence, He calmed the storm by saying, ”Peace be still”, He commanded the dead to come forth, all with His Words. There is a common theme when God speaks and the theme is LIFE giving. He has empowered us to speak in the name of Jesus His life giving power over our circumstances, over our health, and over our future. When I think about the power that He has placed inside of me, it causes me to stop my mouth from speaking the words that my flesh would like to speak and choose to speak His truth.
“The power of life and death is in the tongue.” Proverbs 18:21
Little did the great men and women of history know that the words they used to describe the burning passions and truths they believed in could have such a lasting impact and help to change the world. Little did my husband know that he could change his son’s mind from what he saw with his eyes because of the authority and power that were behind the words his daddy said.
Little do we know the lasting impact our words will have on our own lives, our friends, neighbor, husbands, sons and daughters, even ourselves. It is my constant hope and prayer that when the sands of time look back on my life, there will be a legacy of love and power because I chose to speak life.
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT
Just what I needed to hear today! Thank you for sharing so honestly!
So good My Maree. I am so glad the Lord is working on our hearts to use our tongues to bless, comfort and encourage. So glad to be walking with you on this journey and seeing how the Lord is increasing your capacity to love, honor and obey. You are the best companion and I truly love you. Keep writing.
Such a great post, such a great reminder!! I grew up with that ridiculous saying, "Sticks and stones… blah, blah, blah". My first year of marriage was rough, because, well, I was rough in my speech. Later on I heard Ps Jimmy Evans speak on the power of words and in particular Proverbs 18:21. BAM! Wow, the culture and heart of our home changed dramatically. Some things overnight, others over the course of a year. I think a top priority New Year resolution for everyone should be to examine and submit their tongue anew. Thank you again for this post, it has sent my mind into a flood of thoughts and memories… And yes, that's a good thing
Such beautiful words. Thank for speaking “LIFE”!
I Love you!
Marred,
Great substance in your post! Blessings.
Such a relevant topic for all of us every single moment of the day. I wish there weren't so many "if onlys" in my life!! If only I hadn't said such-n-such. I remember being in the garage with Robert 15ish years ago and Robert saying "Speak life, not death, Carola." I never forgot that! So much damage done with the tongue that has to be undone. Choosing to speak life and being humble enough to admit when death-speak is used to confess and then bring life out of the ashes. sigh
Maree! Wow, I need to read this article every single day! I loved it! I especially like when you said that one of the most important things to do is to"submit my tongue to Him". Great Stuff! Love You!
I only can pray I did the right thing, but I chose today to put up with lack of humility and confession on the part of someone else as the consequences for the power of my spoken words in the past. Even though I have confessed and repented, my words of death had still been bringing about death in our relationship. I have released this person to God and can only pray that what needs to be brought about in their life will come through Him.
Thanks for the reminder. It has been hard, but I know I have been having victory the more I spend time with Him.
This a good true reminders of a principle so easy to understand yet difficult to walk out. I am inspired to mark a worthy path.
Maree, I read this the other day and once again you have blessed me. Thank you Lord for the work you are doing through Maree! You are so precious and authentic…it is evident that your convictions are lived out not just talked about. I certainly need help with taming my tounge as well and this is a great reminder that we must submit and surrender daily. You are a gem and I am thankful for you!!
Blessings,
Amy
Maree, It was just a couple of days ago that I found myself apologizing to my kids for words spoken too harshly. It's humbling to realize that I still have A LOT to work on as a parent, wife and disciple of Christ. But I am grateful that "He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6 Thank you for such a great article and for sharing your heart.
I am becoming more and more aware of how words impact both the speaker and the listener. We must speak as kindly to ourselves as we do to others. It all stems from places in our heart and love is the key. Thank you my Southern Belle for bringing this important topic to the forefront. All of us who have both felt and dealt uglyness from the tongue will do well to heed your message and begin the process of gentle correction. I love you.
Good word, Maree! The snow story with your son is also a powerful picture of contending in faith–sometimes we need to go by what our Father says, and not by what we see! Thanks for keeping it real and reminding us that there is grace when we blow it.
I'm so glad you got what you needed for the day!! I love it when that happens!! Thank you for reading!!:)
Your words always mean the most!! Thank you for allowing me to hear the Holy Spirit for myself and walking graciously by my side!!
I love you always and forever!!:)
~Your Maree
Thank you for your encouraging comment. It's never an easy thing to submit the tongue, but so important because of the life that comes when we do!!
Blessings,
Maree
Thank you Apiee!! It is the desire of my heart to be a LIFE speaking kinda sister to you as you are to me!!
I Love you too!!
Thank you Jose for reading my article. Your words mean a lot!!:)
~Maree
My sweet Carola sister!!:)
Thank you for taking the time to read my article. Your thoughts always mean a great deal to me! Speaking life can sound so easy, until you start walking it out!! Circumstances make it a lot more difficult to actually do!! So thankful for the grace of God that covers all!! You are a beautiful person inside and out and I love you so very much!!
Lots of love,
Maree
Jess,
Thank you for reading!! This is something I'm learning everyday too!!
I love that God has given us the power through Jesus to overcome with using just our words!! You mean so much to me and I love watching you grow as you live for Him!!
Love you,
Maree
Sometimes the best thing we can do is release others, our words, and our actions to the Lord and allow Him to restore and heal as He works out His plan in our lives. "All things work together for good according to His glory." Romans 8:28
Thank you for your personal comment. You are greatly appreciated!! May the Lord bless you as you pursue Him with all your heart!!
~Maree
So true Jackee!! Thank you for your words!! You are a blessing in my life!!
Love you,
Maree
Thank you for reading Amy!! I always look forward to seeing your joyful self!!
Submitting and taming are two words that are really hard to swallow, yet have such a HUGE benefit when done with help from the Holy Spirit!! Thank you for really getting the point that the Lord put so heavily on my heart, it mean a lot!!
Be blessed!!
Maree
Blynda,
Thanks for reading and for sharing your heart!!
So incredibly grateful that He is constantly perfecting me and sharpening me into His character!!:)
Love you,
Maree
Mammy,
Thank you for your words and insight!! God's perfect love is the key, you are exactly right!!
I love you more than words!!
Love,
Your Southern Belle
Pam,
So good!! I love that you "got it" through the story of the snow!! Contending in faith is something I am learning each and every day!!
Your words mean so much to me!! Thank you!!
Love you,
Maree
Rita, (Maree)
What words of wisdom that have come from you. Wisdom doesn't come easily but I know as we go through troubles and trials what usually happens, like a travailing mother giving birth the aftermath is obviously something beautiful, a baby is born. From the power of the tongue is life. We all go through these trials but have not spoken it as eloquent as you have put it. "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; so the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." James 1:19,20 What does produce righteousness is the, "swift to hear" and "slow to speak." Thank you, Maree, this missage is important to us all. Love you, Dad and Mom
Thank you Daddy!! I remember having a conversation with you about how powerful our words can be and getting very excited to sit down and write what God placed on my heart!! Thank you for your love and encouragement and LIFE-giving words!!
Love you so very much!
~Rita