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Words That Give Life

Have you ever spoken something in passing and immediately wished you could take it back? Maybe it wasn’t meant to hurt, yet somehow your words landed heavier than you realized. Even those of us who love Jesus can unintentionally speak in ways that dim hope instead of lifting it. The truth is, our words have incredible power. They can wound deeply or bring life, encouragement, and healing. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” (Proverbs 18:21)

This isn’t what a life shaped by grace looks like. Those who have been saved by grace are also being molded and guided by grace. After all, we love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Words carry weight. Criticism without love can deepen wounds. Complaining quietly can bury hope. Harsh comments can feel like a sentence being handed down. Often, people are already hurting, doing everything they can just to stand back up. Then comes a word, spoken without care, that adds a burden heavier than the one they were already carrying. Isn’t the world already harsh enough? What makes us different if our words wound instead of heal?

This doesn’t mean we ignore sin or compromise truth. God calls us to speak truth, but truth spoken without love can crush, while truth spoken in love can restore and bring healing. As Ephesians 4:15 reminds us, we are to “speak the truth in love.” Grace and honesty together have the power to bring repentance, encouragement, and transformation.

This week, let’s choose to be women who give life, who speak words that carry faith, hope, and encouragement. When the urge to criticize rises, replace it with a question that heals: “How can I help you?” When the desire to speak ill stirs in your heart, choose to intercede in prayer instead. When pointing fingers feels easy, choose to build up. God placed you where you are to lift people up, not to bury them. As Hebrews 10:24 reminds us, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”

Your words have power. They can wound or they can heal. They can bury hope or plant seeds of life. Today, choose to speak with patience, with grace, and with love that reflects the heart of God. Let your words be the kind that make the weary stand a little taller, the hurting smile a little brighter, and the hopeless believe again.

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

Love,

Andrea Anderegg


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