Yield to The Word Before We Wield Our Words

There are a lot of words flying around out there on the interwebs — words that have hurt and words that have helped.

But I believe with all my heart, and in the midst of all the words, there is only one Word that can truly heal the hurt caused by all the other words.

God’s Word, to a believer in Jesus Christ, is the only Word that should really matter.

And that’s why our words must cease and His Word must increase as He takes His rightful seat on the very throne of our heart ruling over our mind until the words we produce are completely subject to His Word and all it’s truth.

Our words apart from God’s Word will always fall short, but God’s Word will never return void. (Isaiah 55:11)

Our words have no power, but they do have the ability to connect others with God’s powerful Word. The only Word that is “alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12) and does have power, authority, and “truth that sets us free.” (John 8:32)

Our words, if not wielded well, can actually do more harm than good. If our words seek to fabricate or manipulate any Biblical mandate, we might as well keep our words to ourselves, and simply share His Word, and let His Holy Spirit do the work.

We can actually say right and good things in a wrong and bad way.

Our tone, temperament, and timing are important.

We can say the right thing in the wrong tone.

Instead we should be full of grace, seasoned with salt, avoiding any unwholesome talk.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29, ESV)

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6, ESV)

We can say the right thing with the wrong temperament.

Instead we should put off our flesh, and be led by His Spirit.

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” (Romans 8:5, ESV)

We can say the right thing at the wrong time.

Instead we should remember His timing is perfect, and waiting on Him is always worth it.

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:2-4, ESV)

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV)

So, speak the truth boldly, but as you speak, yield to the Spirit, and do it with love, grace, and humility.

Humility is key to allow grace in the space where hearts can be open to receive the truth that is spoken.

You can say what you mean without saying it mean.

Seek the truth before you speak the truth, so when you speak the truth others will want to seek the truth.