Minding our Words
Words, Words, Words!
Words are powerful.
They have transformative power. By changing the way we speak, we create new possibilities, de our experiences, and express our state of being.
Language means a body of words. Grammer is a set of rules to combine them, which is understood by a community and used for communication. A word is the smallest unit of language that carries specific meaning and can stand alone.
The Latin “verbātim” means word. In Greek, word is logos (λόγος) or rhema, an expression of a thought that exphasizes the spoken aspect of communication. In Hebrew, “words” (‘dabar’) are not just spoken words but also thought and action. It is a versatile with different meanings such as speech, thought of the mind, matter, thing, event, or the divine Word of God.
In addition, in the Hebrew mindset, the spoken word involves the whole person—body, mind, heart, and spirit. Words reflect inner thoughts that lead to concrete action. Words are like a thermometer; it tells of one’s spiritual temperature: the hotness or coldness of the individual. Just as a thermometer measures temperature to help determine health, words measure one’s spiritual health and overall wellness.
God demonstrates the power of words by creating the world with words. God's Word (upper case W) is God embodied in language (John 1:1). It brings life because it reveals who God is : His character. When you read it, you are in the presence of God, it fills your thoughts, words and actions.
“In the Hebrew mindset, the spoken word involves the whole person—body, soul, and spirit. Words reflect inner thoughts that lead to concrete action. Words are like a thermometer; it tells of one’s spiritual temperature. Words measure one’s spiritual health and overall wellness.”
Words have power beyond the text itself. Jesus said, “By your words, you will be acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). Jesus explains: “The sower sows the word [of God]. The good soil receives the word, understands it, accepts it, and produces fruit [not just mental affirmation, includes action]” (Mark 4:1-20). When a person believes and takes action on God’s Word, one is born again of an imperishable seed(1 Peter 1:23). In this way, words [God’s truth] transform not only our speech but our entire view of life.
Why it Matters?
We use words to reflect what we are thinking and feeling. Our words become our world. Words are important because every spoken word affects who one is becoming. How you handle the words is forming you into a particular kind of person. By neglecting the power of words, one can limit and lose the opportunity to navigate life with purpose and destiny.
Words can also be agents of healing or carriers of the sickness of the world. In the Bible, words are powerful containers (Romans 10:17) with the basic elements of faith that activate God’s kingdom (Isaiah 55:11). Both God and Satan exercise power through our words (Genesis 1:26, 3:4-5). God’s words are true, eternal, unchanging and living (John 1:14). Satan’s words are twisted truth, lies, delusions, and deception (Genesis 3:4-5). Here are some examples:
How to Mind our Words?
To mind your words is an idiom that means, ‘watch what you say.’ The internet, social media and blog posts are filled with words that fall below the standards laid out in Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”Here are some ways to mind our words:
Be intentional and deliberate with words: The Bible teaches us to be intentional, and purposeful in choosing and prioritizing words that reflect the values, and principles we wish to cultivate (Proverbs 2). We are to study and apply the teaching of Scripture and make God’s Word the blueprint for how we live our life. Proverbs calls that ‘wisdom’ and to live any other way is foolish.
“T.S. Eliot, the great poet points out that the truth in the Word must lead us to words.
The Word is the Truth, yet it’s Word that must lead us to words, words which at best can deign to touch the Word, always understood in fragmented forms because words exist in finitude and cannot ever capture the Whole. ~ T.S. Eliot, Four Quartets”
Words as Weapons: Our words are like flames that set off wild fires. For example, the Words in Scripture are like a weapon to fight battles (Ephesians 6:17). By becoming aware of the words we speak, we can speak blessings, hurts or curses (James 3:10, Proverbs 18:20-21). Speaking blessings over yourself and others will encourage, motivate, and empower you to succeed (Proverbs 28:20). Speaking curses over yourself or others will discourage, hurt and empower you to fail (Jeremiah 11:3, 17:5).
Words as a Divine Instrument: Since we are created in God’s image, our mouth can be a divine instrument to exercise authority. It enables us to see, to grow, to build and to fight (Mathew 4:4).
Here are a few sample word phrases:
Thoughts: I know God wants the best for me and I trust him to provide me the tools I need to be always successful (Isaiah 41:10).
Emotions: I am not afraid or anxious. I am confident that God is opening doors for me (Psalm 10:17).
Decisions: I have decided that I will not walk in fear or doubt (2 Timothy 1:7).
Words: I can do this. I will not fail (Philippians 4:13).
Actions: I can start right away. I will do my best in this new opportunity (Psalm 37:4).
Habits: I will get up early everyday and spend time in God’s Word (John 14:16-17).
Character: I will live a life that reflects the wisdom of God, and eternal values (Proverbs 11, Hebrews 8:10).
Destiny: I will fulfill God’s purpose for my life(Acts 13:6).