Have you come to terms with importance of words? Words can kill. Words can also let live.

I recently came across a young man whom I haven’t seen in years. I almost didn’t recognize him that I haven’t seen him in so long. He was one of the youths that I pastored years ago. We chitchatted for a few moments to find out how we are both doing. He was the oldest of the three siblings. They lived near me when I used to live in Tacoma. They grew up in a single parent home and I paid special attention to them because they didn’t have a dad. When I asked him how his siblings were doing, he said, “My brother passed away.” Shocked, I asked him, “How?” “He committed suicide…,” was the answer.

His face immediately rushed to my head. I couldn’t believe he was no longer in this world! I used to take them out to Taco Bell and other places. I used to have the youth meet at their house to encourage them to get involved and to feel part of the group! But it almost didn’t surprise me that he took his own life. He was always alone. He kept things to himself. He had a demeanor about him that wasn’t easy to approach. But he loved it when I or someone paid attention to him. When someone said encouraging words to him, it was almost as if he was surprised….

I keep thinking if only there was someone to keep saying those encouraging words to him. Only if there was someone to counsel him, to love him, to tell him that he matters…

Words can kill. Words can let live.

After Jesus cast out a demon out of a man with words, this was the response of the people: “And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” (Luke 4:36)

Jesus’ words had the same power as the word that created the heavens and the earth. “Let there be light” and there it was! His words were effective and powerful. He said it and it was done!

Our words are not as powerful as His. But we are made in the image of God and thus the words that come out of our mouths also have power. Discouraging, negative, or even lack of good words can kill a soul. Especially from parents to children. But encouraging, uplifting, loving and kind words can revive a dying soul. If our words contained God’s word, all the better!

Would you encourage someone through the word this weekend? Would you also be encouraged by the word of God by going to a church where God’s word will be preached? You need it. Your soul will die slowly without it.

“Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

PH