Day 1 – Sticks & Stones

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!” was one of my favourite phrases in my BC* years. Soon after I was saved, I realized that this phrase was an utter lie. All the words spoken to, over and about me, left a black bitterness in the depth of my soul. All the words I’ve spoken have impacted my present, hurt someone else or were idle and careless.

Words carry power. Your words carry power.

“’Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” James 3:4-5

We do not always realise how powerful words can be. A little word can escalate something into an uncontrollable fire. It’s our responsibility to learn how to take authority over the little members in our mouths.

Jesus said in John 14:13 “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” Words are powerful here on earth, but they have eternal power in the spiritual realm. What we say or ask for today – impacts our eternal future. Don’t allow your words to be the sticks and stones which break your life apart.

The Bible contains Words of Truth that teach us wisdom. These words are meant to guide us, even when we struggle to express ourselves. We can read them and store them in our hearts so that we can better understand them and apply them to our lives. We can trust that God will always be with us, providing us with the guidance we need to navigate through life. ‘To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding,’ Proverbs 1:2

Words Attack. Words Attract. Words Acquit. Words have Authority.

Prayer: Father, during this devotional, I pray You to teach us how to take authority over our little members. To understand the power of words and how to change our mindsets around what we speak. May our words be sweet to Your heart. Amen.

*BC Years (Before Christ years – unsaved years)