the power of our words

Matt 12:36-37
36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

The words we use each day are so incredibly powerful. We don't realize it most of the time. We speak without thinking. Sometimes its just silliness with no great harm. Sometimes we say or write things that have the potential to do great damage to ourselves or others. God's word describes itself as "sharper than any two edged sword," but he also describes our speech as a sword. Proverbs says "There is one who speaks rashly, like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Our words can be like a sword thrust into those around us, with deadly results, or they can do just the opposite and bring strength and healing. "Life and death are in the power of the tongue." This is why Jesus spoke so strongly about our accountability for our speech. He spoke and the worlds were created. While I cant speak an apple into my hand when I am hungry, my words do have creative power. They create attitudes and expectations in my own mind and heart. And, they do the same to others. My words can make you feel loved and valued, or they can make you feel worthless and hopeless. And that is where the accountability enters in. God expects us to use this power of the tongue for good and not evil. He expects us to "speak the truth in love" and "do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs." He expects us to love with our words. Its not as easy as it sounds. Much of the time we don't really understand or even consider how our words are affecting those around us. We need to listen to our heart before we speak. We need to be consciously determined to bring life and love when we open our mouths. He will help us to do so.