Words of Life

Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24

Roy and I have been married for 6 1/2 years now. Roy is one of the kindest men I know. I recently had a co-worker tell me he was like a big kid–and truthfully, she doesn’t know the half of it! He is an absolute joy to be around, and I am so thankful for every moment I have with him.

But, can I be brutally honest? It hasn’t been 6 1/2 years of wedded bliss. The first few years were beyond tough! There were days I wasn’t sure we would make it. Many of the circumstances were beyond our control, but there was something else I just couldn’t put my finger on.

A couple of years ago, it all came to the surface. The insecurities Roy was trying so hard to hide came bursting out. Honestly, it was a make or break moment for our marriage.

I am thankful we allowed it to make us.

This last weekend, we were just hanging out talking. As we talked about the last nearly seven years, we talked about the impact of his insecurities on our relationship. He talked about how he had never felt worthy of me. And he talked about how it prevented him from being fully present with me.

And then he said this:

I see that note you left for me that tells me, “You are worthy!” every single day, and it has changed my life.

I wrote those three simple words nearly two years ago. It still hangs in our bathroom, and I had no idea he still reads those words. He had never mentioned the note to me. He has never told me it changed his life or our marriage. He had never told me about the impact of those simple words spoken to him.

And yet, those words have been words of life to him every day for nearly two years.

That’s the power of our words.

We were taught that sticks and stones can break our bones but words can never hurt us. Unfortunately, that adage is simply not true. Scripture teaches us that words have the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). So the question is simple: Are your words bringing life or death?

How do we ensure we are speaking words of life?

Our words reveal the condition of our hearts. Are your words negative? Do you have a tendency to criticize others? Is it easier for you to find fault than to see the good in others? If so, you need to take a hard look at your heart.

Guard your heart above all else,  for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23

When our hearts are focused on the things of God, we find peace (Philippians 4:8). When our hearts are at peace, we find that our words reflect that same peace.

But the opposite is true as well. When our hearts are marred by bitterness, anger, or rage, our words will be filled with the same.

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:45

What do your words reveal about the condition of your heart?

We should always be prepared to speak words of life.  No matter what your life may be, you can be prepared to speak words of life. Words that give someone else hope. Words that provide the kindness someone else needs. Words that remind others that God sees and hears and cares.

These words, again, come from time spent with God, from God filling your heart with His truth. You cannot be prepared or have the words that bring life unless you are receiving the life-giving power of His word. How much time have you spent in God’s word today?

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15

We must remember how our words can impact others. When I wrote those three simple words in our bathroom, I had no idea it would literally change the trajectory of Roy’s life. I had no idea it would forever change our marriage. It was simply an act of kindness, speaking the truth of God’s word to someone else.

But it’s true. Scripture teaches us that a well-timed word can literally give life to others.

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. Proverbs 25:11

So the question is quite simple: Are you speaking life to others? Make a decision today that you will focus your heart on things that breathe life so your words will also give life. Then, when you think a positive word, make a commitment to say it! Words of life cannot be kept to yourself!