Importance of Words

Words....it is what we use to communicate and how we express ourselves. How do you use your words, for good or for bad? Is it even important how we use our words? It is so easy to speak without putting much thought into what we are saying. I have been thinking about the importance of our words, how we use them, and if our words are building others up or tearing others down.

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 

-James 3:5

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

-James 3:8

If you look up how many times the Bible talks about our tongue and words, it warns us many times that our words can be used for good or evil and that the tongue can no man tame. I don't think we really realize the impact our idle words can have on others. Its amazing how some good words can make a huge impact on someone and at the same time a careless and hurtful words can be extremely hurtful and impact someone in a negative way.

So I guess what I am getting at is, are we using what we say for God's honor and glory or are we being careless with what we say? I know it is so easy to just talk without putting thought into what we say but if we put thought into our words, those around us will benefit. My challenge to you, think about what you say, how the words you are using sound to those around you. And use your words to build up those around you instead of tearing them down.

Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

-Proverbs 18:21

True Love

Love...when you think of love, what comes to mind? The dictionary's definition is as follows:

love

1. a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

2. a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, 

    as for a parent, child, or friend

The primary meaning of the word "love" in Scripture is a "purposeful commitment to sacrificial action for another." In the Bible it is a fact that loving God is equated with obeying His Word. The two are inseparable.

Thinking of Valentine's Day and how much the focus is on love, I had to wonder which love is Valentine's Day promoting and I am leaning toward the dictionary's definition of love. The love that the dictionary describes is the love of the world and it is based on how I feel and it is a selfish type of love. The world's love is one based on getting something from someone else and thus for the world, love must be earned by making someone else feel good. Powerful emotions may come with love but it is the commitment of the will that makes true biblical love steadfast and unchanging even in the midst of troubles and trials.

We have a wonderful example of true love through Christ. He died while we were yet sinners.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8). God loves the lost sinner, the one who is living in sin and rebellion toward Him. He loved us enough to send His only Son to die for us to pay our debt while we were yet sinning! It makes me so thankful that God loved me enough to send His only Son to die for me while I was yet a sinner, that if I believe on Him, I may be saved and have eternal life through Him!!

I love the way 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 illustrates love.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Remember that love is of God and in order for us to have true love, we need to look to Him, the source of true love! So may we love those around us with a sacrificial love and not a selfish love!! Happy Valentine's Day!