“The simple fact is that words kill.” (Matthew 5:22 MSG)
We were at Chickfil-a last night; our little family of three gathered and giving thanks over chicken and mac and cheese. It was mid-meal when someone said something that near swept away my appetite. The pastor-momma rose up in me.
“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquire you are condemn you.” (Matthew 12:36-37 NLT)
It smarted a bit coming out of my mouth. I tasted the acridity of my own chastisement. Why’s it so hard so say only kind and helpful things?
Words matter. It’s so much more than a catchy hashtag. It’s biblical truth. What we say holds eternal consequence.
“The tongue can bring death or life, those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” (Proverbs 18:21 NLT)
This scripture scares me because I am a talker. I have a friend who says “I think with my lips” and I know he’s got my number. I began writing as a more safe way to process my feelings, to sort through them before the outside world would hear them. But even still, this morning I am considering anew the verbal deposits I make in this world. Am I bringing life or death?
The old sunday-school song still makes sense, even as a full-grown pastor-momma:
“O be careful little mouth what you say,
O be careful little mouth what you say,
There’s a Father up above and He’s looking down in love,
So be careful little mouth what you say.”
It’s important to keep this in perspective: our Father is watching us with love. He longs to see His children succeed in Kingdom living and speaking life is as Kingdom as we can get.
Lord, help us speak words of life not death. May they bubble up out of a heart and mind that is fixed on You. May Kingdom things come out of Kingdom people. May we make our Papa proud. Amen.