«
»

Ministry of Talk

As someone who makes a living talking, I know how powerful words can be. They can, like knives, pierce the heart and destroy a person’s life. On the other hand, our words, like medicine, can promote health and give life. I have seen this with my children. When I fuss and zero in on what they did wrong instead of what they did right, I see their spirit’s shrink. But when I praise them for a job well done or a “herculean” effort, their spirits soar. Needless to say, words are very powerful. 

Words are a revelation of the heart. In other words, whatever is in our heart – good or bad – will eventually come out in our words and behavior. Try this experiment: listen carefully to a person’s conversation and you will quickly be able to determine what’s in their hearts – faith or doubt, being led by the flesh or the Spirit, pride or humility, slander and gossip or encouragement. Every day, I am trying to practice what Paul said in Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupt word come out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” 

However, there are times when my words are careless, have no positive impact, have no redeeming value and action, and bear no fruit. Sometimes my words cause people’s spirit’s to wither or fade away. 

The alternative is using our words to build a person up according to their needs. Let’s ask God to help us observe people’s lives to understand better what their needs are, and then use the right words to complete them. But, we must make the investment in discovery. After we have discovered the needs of people around us, let’s bestow a blessing on them with our words. Ask God to help you to use your words to benefit and complete others. 

Tell your children you love them and are proud of them 

Tell your spouse specifically how they have added value to your life

Tell a co-worker how much their work means to you and the company

Tell a friend specifically how they have been a blessing in your life.

Tell someone you forgive them  

When was the last time you intentionally used your words to heal, bless, or minister to someone else? Who will you bless and encourage today with your words?

Popularity: 11% [?]

Tags: ,

This entry was posted on Friday, May 22nd, 2009 at 6:44 am and is filed under Words. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

4 Responses to “Ministry of Talk”

  1. *Bella* Says:
    May 23rd, 2009 at 3:20 am

    I agree how words can affect someone. I remember this rhyme from my childhood "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" well I think that is so not true. Words to me can cut like a knife, it can leave a scar sometimes for a very long time. Words good or bad can affect your mood/ mental state. I try to be mindful of the words I choose but depending on the mood or situation, it is really hard to always hold your tongue. I have had people say hurtful and positive things to me, it definitely changes my mood.

    The last time I used my words to heal was a couple of days ago, one of my girlfriends was having some family issues, I just sent her out a quick prayer and a note letting her know not to allow the enemy to steal her joy, and to know he is here to carry her load/burdens.

  2. Marvinwilliams Says:
    May 23rd, 2009 at 4:38 am

    Thanks for your insightful and transparent comments. You are so right. Words are extremely powerful and can wound or heal. Encouraging words simply cause our spirits to soar, whereas hurtful words affect our mood in a very negative way. We have to set a guard over our mouths and use our words carefully. Again, thanks for your insightful comments.

  3. Darcy Groenink Says:
    May 25th, 2009 at 2:55 am

    thank you for sharing this Marvin.. also brings to mind "actions speak louder than words"…

  4. Marvinwilliams Says:
    May 25th, 2009 at 3:04 am

    You are so right, Darcy. I am learning to be more consistent in this area of my life. I am glad God is so patient with us. Thanks for your comment. Hope you like the new site.

Leave a Reply