In yesterday’s devotional we talked about the importance of being honest with your words. Makes sense, right? After all, God is a God of truth. Jesus comes to us “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). God’s “word is truth” (John 17:17). If we want to be his disciples, reflecting his truth needs to be a … Continue reading Let your yes be yes and your no be no
words
Saying it out loud
We’ve been talking about the power of words.These days we tend to devalue them. When someone says “actions speak louder than words” they are commenting on this very trend. While our actions should certainly back up our words, words can still have incredible power on their own.In Jesus’ day his words were thought to have … Continue reading Saying it out loud
A stone in his mouth for 3 years
In elementary school there was a kid who did a lot of annoying things. He would slap people in the back of the head for no reason or pull a girl’s ponytail and run away.Other kids would inevitably chase him or call him names. In response he would shout out the well-known playground rebuttal: “Sticks … Continue reading A stone in his mouth for 3 years
Words that build up
Anthony Ross was a famous Scottish priest, also known as a preacher. He had a stroke which left him wordless. For a man whose work was so closely tied to his use of words, it was a big blow. The doctor actually told Anthony that he wouldn’t be able to speak again. In response, he … Continue reading Words that build up
That split second moment
Words have power. We all know it’s true. You can’t see them, but that doesn’t matter. They can still carry more force than a tonne of bricks. Sometimes that force is for good. A wise word, a message of encouragement, and even simply hearing the voice of someone you care about can lift your spirits. … Continue reading That split second moment
Destructive criticism
Constructive criticism is good. After all, it’s constructive. But what is the opposite of constructive criticism? It’s destructive criticism! It’s when you want to tear someone down instead of build them up. Every once in a while a situation emerges when we are invited to provide input, make suggestions, or offer a critique. Since as … Continue reading Destructive criticism
From mouthpiece to mouth-peace
Technically speaking, a “mouthpiece” is a spokesperson for someone else. But it can also be used derisively. If someone is called a mouthpiece with a certain tone of voice, it means they’re mouthy—that they are using words that are rude, insensitive or arrogant. Because we’re sinful creatures it can be easy to backslide and start … Continue reading From mouthpiece to mouth-peace
The polarizing internet
The internet has a polarizing effect. Recently a well-respected Christian organization posted a blog. Since it touched on the topic of politics, the comments came fast and furious. (Apparently, politics can be a touchy subject these days. Have you noticed?) Unfortunately, the comments were highly charged, accusatory, derogatory, and unfair. Have you noticed how quickly … Continue reading The polarizing internet
Sticks and stones
I’ve heard it. You’ve heard it. We’ve all heard it: “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” But of course, it’s a lie. A more accurate rendition might go something like this: “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words may forever hurt me.” We’ve been talking about the … Continue reading Sticks and stones
Your verbal legacy
Words. They have power, don’t they? In the Bible, James writes: “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be” (James 3:9-10). So if … Continue reading Your verbal legacy
