Attention! Do the Words You Speak Glorify God?

How many of us are able to speak well when we are at church? What about when we are at home, at work, at school, or on campus, is the way we speak also kept in check? Do your friends see God's glory through your words? Or instead, do people keep their distance because of the sharpness of your tongue?

Why is good speech important? And how can every word we speak bring salvation and glory to God?

God Revealed in Every Word

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. – Proverbs 12:18 

Choosing to speak good words is an important decision we need to make every day. Why? Because faith without works is empty faith (James 2:20). So, claiming to be a Christian without guarding the words we speak is nothing but empty talk.

Good speech should be a special concern for those who claim to be Christians, because God's glory is also revealed through the words of His people. Apply the following three things to do it:

1. Beware the Trap of Gossip

If anyone speaks, let him speak as one delivering the words of God; if anyone serves, let him do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and power forever and ever! Amen. – 1 Peter 4:11

There are many things we talk about with other people every day. Without realizing it, this makes us less watchful over every word we speak. We may come to think that gossiping is something normal to do. We gossip about many people, from neighbors, school friends, and coworkers to our own relatives.

Personally, I prefer gathering with community friends who share God's goodness through their lives. Even if their stories are not always joyful, or they are carrying heavy burdens, I feel strengthened when I hear how God is at work in their lives. 

Do you enjoy being in a community that talks a lot about God? Or are you closer to people who enjoy gossiping? Ask yourself whether the conversations you have bring peace, joy, or growth to your life. If not, perhaps this is the time for you to truly reconsider your circle of friends.

Do not hesitate to tell anyone about God's goodness. There is no need to be ashamed or afraid to share the good things He has allowed to happen in our lives. God's name can be glorified not only through actions, but also through every word we speak. Good conversation will be spiritual refreshment for your life and bring sincere friends into it.

2. Speak Words That Build Up

Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is good for building up, as needed, so that it may give grace to those who hear. – Ephesians 4:29 

How often do we throw out careless words, dirty jokes, whether as humor or as a way to put people down (bullying)? Instead of building up, do our words actually tear down someone's self-worth?

Choose words that can build up the lives of others. For example, when a friend is in despair, say to them, "You can do it. God is always with you." When we see our parents worrying, invite them to pray together. How beautiful it is if what we say can help others and make us channels of God's blessing to our neighbors.

Words that build up are one of the five love languages (the other four are quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch). By giving kind words to someone whose primary love language is words of affirmation, you help fill their love tank.

It feels easy to speak positive words when we are happy or being treated well. But what about when someone speaks harshly to us?

When He was insulted, He did not insult in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. – 1 Peter 2:23  

If today we receive unkind words from others, how much better it would be if we did not answer in the same way. The Lord Jesus has already become our example in the way we speak. So, entrust everything to God, who has the right to judge every human word. 

3. Make a Habit of Praising and Appreciating

"I thank my God every time I remember you. And every time I pray for all of you, I always pray with joy. I thank my God for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now." – Philippians 1:3-5

Expressing appreciation for someone's success, achievements, or struggles should not be difficult for those who already know God's truth. Paul was an apostle who loved to give appreciation and praise to every congregation that labored for God. A hard life did not keep him from speaking good words. 

However, it cannot be denied that there is an aspect of Eastern cultural tradition that makes it hard for us to give praise. One reason is that we rarely receive appreciation or affirmation from our parents, and more often receive rebukes, criticism, or demands.

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Do you currently find it hard to praise others or are you not yet used to giving praise? If so, start with small and simple things. If you are proud to see your child helping a friend who is struggling in school, say it to them. When your spouse helps tidy up the house so you do not become too tired, express your compliment. Surely, giving praise for bigger things will become easier in the future.

A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth brings ruin. – Proverbs 26:28 

Keep in mind that sincerity is needed in giving praise, not merely an image projected by the mouth. God knows the depths of our hearts, whether we praise sincerely or merely want to look good.

Perhaps words of praise are not your primary love language. Yet don't you feel happy when someone praises your success or your struggle? That means everyone likes to be appreciated and given kind words. So, decide to speak good words every day.

Let us make it a habit to tell of God's goodness to the people we meet. Train our mouths to speak words that build up. Get used to praising one another, so that through every word that comes out of our mouths, others may grow and find the way of truth. Amen!

References:
www.5lovelanguages.com

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