You never know what someone else is going through. You never know what pain or struggle they may be hiding behind that smile (or even a scowl). It may be taking every ounce of strength they have left just to make it through the day. Are we going to be kind, show the love of Christ, and use our words to uplift and encourage? Or are we going to be a jerk and in some way belittle, discourage, or tear them down? Our words could be what God uses in their life to push them over the edge toward life in Him, or we could allow the enemy to use our words to push them over the edge toward destruction.
This is what it means when the Bible says that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21). This isn’t some “name it and claim it, speak things into existence” garbage verse. It could literally be spiritual life or death for some struggling, hurting soul.
Words matter. Words do have power. The gospel is news, good news, powerful news, hope-giving, life-producing news… shared with words. May we be known for sharing that life-giving news, giving hope, offering encouragement, and at the very least just being a kind person. And may the Lord grant us grace and strength to uplift and encourage others toward life in Him, no matter what struggles or pain we are going through ourselves.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…