Real Talk Sample

Our Words Are Powerful

Have you ever had a moment where you wish you could take your words back? Where the moment you said that thing, you instantly regretted it!?

Our words are powerful; not just what we say, but how we say it. Proverbs reminds us that “the tongue can bring life or death.” The words we choose and the way in which we say them matter.

Paul said, “don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV). The word translated “unwholesome” or “corrupting” was a word used to describe crumbling stones. Think of a wall falling apart or a building breaking down. The idea is that the words we use shouldn’t tear other people down, but instead build them up and be useful to them. 

When we don’t choose our words carefully, we run the risk of tearing others down - intentionally or unintentionally. Our words can oftentimes create or escalate conflict.

So, we need to be intentional and thoughtful with our words. We need to think about what we’ll say before we say it -  before, during, and even after conflict occurs.

Think about this past week. Did your words build others up or tear them down? What can you do this week to "prevent any unwholesome talk” from coming from your mouth?