Speak Life

January 12, 2025

Our words have incredible power. They can build up or tear down, encourage or discourage, bring hope or despair. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Speaking life means using our words to reflect God’s love, truth, and grace in every situation.

Jesus modeled this beautifully. He spoke life into the hurting, the broken, and the lost. With His words, He healed the sick, comforted the weary, and challenged people to step into their God-given potential. As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same.

Speaking life starts with being intentional. It means pausing before we speak, asking God to guide our words, and choosing to uplift instead of criticize. It’s about seeing others through God’s eyes and using our words to bless, encourage, and bring peace.

Today, commit to speaking life into the people around you. Use your words to share hope, show kindness, and point others to Christ. Let your conversations be filled with grace, seasoned with love, and guided by the Spirit.

Steps to Speak Life:

1. Speak God’s Truth

• Encourage others with Scripture and remind them of God’s promises.

2. Speak with Grace and Kindness

• Ask yourself: Will this build someone up or tear them down?

3. Pray Before You Speak

• Invite God to guide your words, especially in difficult conversations.

4. Encourage Yourself in the Lord

• Speak life over yourself, declaring God’s truth about your identity and purpose.

5. Speak Gratitude

• Use your words to thank God and express gratitude to others.

Question to Ponder:

How can you use your words to speak life into someone’s heart today?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the gift of words and the power they hold. Help me to speak life in every situation. Guide my words to reflect Your truth, grace, and love. Teach me to use my tongue to build others up, to encourage those around me, and to glorify You. Let my speech always be seasoned with kindness and compassion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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 (NIV)