The Power in Every Word

Blocks of wood with the words "Words Martter" - Image by iStock

Words

Let’s be real: folks like to say, “Ah, they’re just words. What’s the big deal?” But words are never “just” words! They carry weight. They shape lives.

The very fact that we can speak and write—put thoughts out into the world—that’s a remarkable gift from God Himself. That’s something that sets us apart from every creature God made.

God made us in His image, and part of that means He gave us the gift of language. No animal, no matter how clever, can talk to God or each other the way we can.

And all the “experts” who try to figure out where humans came from—well, this business of language is still a big roadblock for them. Talk all they want, but nobody’s explained it away yet.

Why Language Sets Us Apart

Take a second, think about how your own mind works. Most of what goes on up there—your thoughts, your plans, your prayers—it comes as words.

Even when we do math, write music, or sort out some tricky Bible verse, it’s words that help us make sense of it all.

God thought words were important enough to send “The Word”—that’s Jesus—and to give us His written word, the Bible.

Both are called “the Word of God.” Can words get any bigger than that?

God’s Words Make Things Happen

Now, here’s something special. In the original Bible languages (Hebrew and Greek), the word for “word” and “thing” are sometimes the same.

That means, to God, words aren’t just noise—they’re stuff. They do things. God said, “Let there be light,” and what happened? Light!

Just like that, the universe was built with God’s words. So, when He gave us the gift of speech, it wasn’t small potatoes. It was a taste of His creative power.

What’s in Your Heart Will Spill Out

Jesus dropped a truth bomb in Matthew 12:34: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

What’s deep inside comes out in what we say. The heart is the well; our words are the bucket that brings that water up for everyone to see.

When someone’s quiet, you really can’t tell what’s going on in their heart. But let them talk for a while, and you’ll see—words reveal the soul.

That’s also why Jesus is called “the Word”—He’s God’s heart revealed to us, plain to see, right here in the world. Want to know God’s heart? Look at Jesus.

Speech: A Holy Responsibility

Words aren’t playthings. They’re sacred! Jesus warned us: our words matter. We’ll answer for idle, reckless, or mean-spirited talk.

He told us to keep our Yes, yes and our No, no (Matthew 5:37). No need for fibbing, swearing, or dressing things up. Let’s use our words for good—honest, graceful, trustworthy speech.

God’s people are supposed to have “grace poured on their lips” (Psalm 45:2), with words as sweet and healing as honey (Song of Songs 4:11).

Paul said, “Let your speech always be with grace” (Colossians 4:6). Not only that, but there is power in speaking as God leads.

Remember Samuel and Elijah? Their words didn’t fall flat—when they spoke, it was like God was speaking. That’s what happens when someone is aligned with God’s heart.

Even Jesus taught us: faith-filled words can move mountains!

Our Enemy Knows This Too

Here’s something sobering. If God’s people sometimes forget the power of words, the devil sure doesn’t. He used words to pull Adam and Eve off track in the Garden.

Today, the enemy still breeds confusion, lies, and division—often by twisting words and spreading propaganda.

Think about all those voices that fill the internet and airwaves these days—so many are just noise meant to distract and divide.

But this isn’t the end of the story.

How Christians Should Use Their Words

We’ve got two powerful ways to use our words: we can talk to God on behalf of people (prayer), and we can talk to people on behalf of God (proclamation).

Prayer is our biggest job, but it’s often done by a faithful few. The Holy Spirit is raising up prayer warriors—it’s needed now more than ever.

Then there’s sharing the good news. With all the technology at our fingertips—radio, TV, computers—we can reach far and wide, just like God intends.

Sadly, sometimes those who oppose God use these tools better than we do, but that shouldn’t stop us!

All these platforms are here for us to proclaim truth, to encourage, and to remind the world that Jesus saves and still speaks.

The Real Battle Is Words

The world is in a tug-of-war, and it’s not just a physical fight; it’s words battling words.

The Bible says our weapons aren’t worldly but mighty in God for tearing down strongholds—taking thoughts and ideas captive so they obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4–5).

Decide Who You’re Speaking For

There’s no middle ground here. Jesus said, “He who isn’t with Me is against Me.” When it comes to our words, we don’t get to sit this out.

Our words either build up or tear down, gather or scatter. The choice is ours.

Martin Luther once said it’s more important to preach the gospel than to simply go quietly through life.

Are we using our voices to gather people to Jesus, or are we just letting our words drift aimlessly and do nothing?

Let’s be people whose words heal, help, and point others to God’s heart—full of grace, truth, and hope. Amen.

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