One Saturday afternoon, right after the Sabbath service, I caught up with a friend. We exchanged the usual pleasantries: “How was your week?” “Has God been good to you?” It was nothing unusual, just a peaceful moment between friends.
As we chatted, another friend—someone I’ve known for quite some time and hold close—walked by. We smiled, exchanged quick greetings, and they continued on their way. But as soon as they were out of sight, the friend I was with leaned in, lowering their voice.
“You know what they’ve been up to, right?” they said, their words dripping with insinuation.
For a moment, I was stunned. The air between us seemed to shift, turning sour as the sentence lingered. It wasn’t just what they said—it was why they said it. I felt a pang of disbelief and frustration. How could they say something like that about someone so close to me? Someone I trusted?
The shock wasn’t from the gossip itself—it was from the realization that, with a single sentence, this friend was trying to alter my view of someone dear to me. They were planting seeds of doubt, tarnishing the character of someone I cared about, and for what?
It wasn’t even about whether the rumor was true or not. It was about the intent behind it—the casual willingness to sacrifice someone’s reputation for the sake of idle conversation. I couldn’t help but think: Is this really what we’re called to do? Tear down instead of build-up? Gossip instead of guide?
At that moment, it became clear to me: with just a few words, my friend was trying to change my perception of someone, poisoning my view with unnecessary, harmful information.
Our words carry immense power. They can build up or tear down, reflect love, or spread hatred. The book of Proverbs 18:21 informs us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” What kind of impact do your words have? Are they those that build others, express and show love, encourage, soothe, and are Spirit-filled or they are critical, sharp, unwholesome, full of ridicule, and evil?
A person can do tremendous good or cause great harm—both to themselves and to others—depending on how they use their tongue. Many have brought ruin upon themselves with reckless speech or even caused the downfall of others through lies and deceit.
Careless words can inflict far-reaching damage. As believers, we are called to be mindful not just of what we say, but also of what we hear, recognizing that gossip and slander sow division and distrust among us all. There’s this profound quote, “The evil tongue slays three: the slanderer, the slandered, and the listener.” It captures the destructive reach of slander. It not only harms the one being spoken about, but it also corrupts the heart of the one speaking and poisons the soul of the one listening. Each party is wounded differently—whether by the loss of reputation, the erosion of integrity, or the distortion of judgment.
Conversely, others have preserved their lives or brought peace and healing through gentle and thoughtful words. A kind word spoken in a moment of despair can lift a soul weighed down by burdens, offering hope where none seemed to exist. A wise counsel given just at the right time has steered many away from ruin, providing clarity and direction in moments of confusion. A gentle rebuke, delivered with love, can help correct a path and restore a wayward heart.
Even more, there are those whose words, spoken in defense of the innocent, have saved lives and reputations. A timely testimony, grounded in truth and grace, can halt the spread of lies and reverse the damage of false accusations. Interceding on behalf of others—whether through prayer or a spoken word—can shield someone from unjust treatment or bring about reconciliation where division once reigned. In these moments, words become instruments of life, bringing comfort, protection, and restoration to those in need.
The Power of Words to Uplift
The Bible gives us powerful examples of how words can bring healing and comfort. In Matthew 9:22, Jesus says to the woman, “Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.” These words restored her both physically and emotionally. Here we see how words, spoken with love and faith, can offer hope in moments of despair and strengthen those who are struggling. Jesus’ compassionate words remind us that the right words, spoken at the right time, can uplift and heal.
Ephesians 4:29 further emphasizes the importance of using words to build others up. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” This verse calls us to speak words that edify and encourage, rather than words that tear down or bring harm. A simple word of encouragement can change someone’s entire perspective, providing strength to keep going in difficult circumstances. Whether it’s a compliment, an expression of gratitude, or a word of reassurance, positive speech has the power to lift others and deepen their faith.
We are called to speak life into the situations around us. Instead of responding with negativity or criticism, we can offer words of hope, encouragement, and affirmation. By recognizing the impact of our words, we can become sources of light to those who are discouraged, reminding them that they are valued and loved. Our words can be a beacon of faith and strength in dark moments, guiding others toward hope and renewal.
The Power of Words to Divide and Degrade
The Bible warns us of the destructive potential of the tongue. In James 3:5-6, the tongue is compared to a small fire that can set an entire forest ablaze. This vivid imagery highlights the dangers of careless speech—words spoken in anger, insult, or sarcasm can spread harm far beyond the initial conversation. A single thoughtless comment can grow into a larger conflict, sowing seeds of division and animosity. Just as a wildfire is hard to control once it begins, so too are the consequences of reckless words.
Gossip and slander are among the most harmful uses of the tongue. Though it may seem like a small, harmless act, gossip has the power to destroy relationships, break apart families, and even divide entire church communities. Proverbs 16:28 states, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” Slander, which spreads false or damaging information, can cause deep rifts between people and foster negativity. These actions undermine trust and breed suspicion, ultimately tearing apart the very fabric of relationships that should be grounded in love and unity.
Resisting the temptation to gossip or engage in slander is crucial for promoting peace and reconciliation. We are called to be slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19), taking the time to consider the impact of our words before we speak. Encouraging open communication, empathy, and understanding can help to mend divides while avoiding harmful speech prevents unnecessary conflict. By practicing restraint and choosing words that heal rather than harm, we contribute to building up, rather than tearing down, the communities and relationships around us.
Words That Teach Hate
The Bible provides stark examples of how words can be used to incite hatred and division. In Matthew 12:24, the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, stirring up hostility and judgment among the people. Their words were not only false but aimed at undermining Jesus’ mission and turning others against Him. This serves as a powerful reminder of how dangerous words can be when used to promote hatred or judgment. Additionally, false teachers in the New Testament are often warned against, as they spread harmful and divisive ideas, misleading believers and disrupting the unity of the church. (Matthew 7:15, 2 Peter 2:1, 1 John 4:1, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Titus 1:10-11, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15)
In our society, we see how words in media, politics, and social settings can perpetuate prejudice, tribalism, racism, and other forms of hate. Whether it’s inflammatory rhetoric or subtle stereotypes, words have the power to shape public perceptions and fuel harmful ideologies. As Christians, we are called to stand against such divisive language and to speak words that promote love and reconciliation. Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:44 to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” challenges us to counter hate with love, offering a Christlike response to hostility and division.
We have a responsibility to use our words for love, truth, and unity. This means standing against hate speech whenever we encounter it—whether online, in conversation, or in public discourse—and promoting reconciliation in Christ. We must be intentional about speaking words that foster understanding, peace, and compassion, choosing to build bridges rather than walls. By aligning our speech with the teachings of Christ, we can play a role in healing the divisions that words of hatred have caused, bringing people closer to God and one another.
Conclusion
The power of words cannot be overstated. Words can build up, tear down, and, in the worst cases, teach hate. As followers of Christ, we are called to be mindful of the impact our speech can have on those around us. Whether it is through words of encouragement that inspire hope, careless words that cause division, or hateful speech that spreads harm, we must recognize that our words hold tremendous weight.
I challenge you to reflect on how you use your words. Are your conversations filled with love, grace, and encouragement, or do they sometimes drift into negativity, gossip, or judgment? Consider the lasting impact your words have on others—are they uplifting and life-giving, or do they degrade and harm? As Christians, we are called to be the salt and light of the world, and that includes how we speak to one another.
Let us strive to make our words a reflection of Christ’s love. As Colossians 4:6 reminds us, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” May we use our words to heal, to bring unity, and to point others toward the love and truth of Christ.
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