Words have power. They have the ability to move a person to tears, incite anger, start a revolution, whisper sweet words of love, and cause laughter. Words have the power to create.

Did you ever think about the creation of the world? “And God said, ‘Let there be light,” and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3) God spoke the world into existence creating day and night, water and sky, land, vegetation, and living creatures. “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him.” (Genesis 1:26-27).

God’s words had the power to create by speaking His creation into existence and if we were created in God’s image, then have we ever thought about the world that our own words can create in our own lives? What are you speaking into existence for yourself or others with your words?

There are many Bible verses that remind us of the power of words and how it can help or hinder us in how we use them. Here are just a few of many: 

• “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18
• “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3
• “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4
• “A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.” Proverbs 18:7
• “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
• “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

This next week I encourage you to watch how you use your words. Are you providing healing, comfort, or encouragement to those around you with your words? Or do you find yourself using words entangled in gossip, snared in lies, causing bitterness from sarcasm, or producing negativity towards yourself or others? Your words should be a reflection of what is in your heart. Do your words reflect Christ in your life?

Words have the power to create. They have the power to give life or they have the power to destroy. Speak positively towards others and have positive self-talk. Create for yourself an existence of love, truth, and positivity in your life as well as find ways to build up and encourage those around you.