- Proverbs 18:21 AMP

The verses above, and many other Scriptures in the Bible, reveal that our words have tremendous power. We can speak life to ourselves and others, or we can speak death. If you need some convincing that this is true, look at what the apostle Paul writes in Romans 10:9: "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Our words carry so much weight that they can even affirm our salvation, and therefore, affect the spiritual realm. Jesus warned us about taking our speech too lightly. In Matthew 12:36-37 He says, "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

To be honest, it disturbs me to hear so many believers say things like: "The flu is going around, and I just know I'm going to get it. I always do!" Or, "My son drives like a maniac. It's just a matter of time before he kills himself or somebody else!" Or even, "My parents fight all the time. They're definitely going to get a divorce!" I believe with all my heart that this kind of talk grieves the heart of God. Hebrews 11:6 says that "without faith it is impossible to please God." What kind of faith are we demonstrating when we speak words of doom and destruction over our children, or someone's marriage? Shouldn't we be praying and standing on God's promises for them instead? And when we say that we are certain to become victims of illness, aren't we putting more faith in that affliction than in God's ability and willingness to keep us well or heal us? Wouldn't we be much wiser--and wouldn't God be more pleased--if we prayed in faith for God's protection and healing? Knowing that our words can affect the spiritual realm, isn't it likely that when we're speaking words of sickness, destruction, and defeat, that we're opening doors for the Destroyer to come in and attack us and our loved ones? Our words are seeds, and it's up to us whether we plant seeds of life or death. If we want to reap the right kind of harvest, then we've got to plant the right kind of seeds. I can tell you from experience that if you will change your words, you will change your life, and you will even affect those around you. May David's prayer be ours today--"May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14 NLT)

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times my speech has been filled with doubt and destruction instead of faith and life. Cleanse my lips the way You did Isaiah's. (Isaiah 6:6-7) Help me to speak words that please You and bless others. Remind me of all Your precious promises of wholeness, life, and victory. Thank You that my words of life will bring people hope and healing!

- J. M. Farro