Opening Verse
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” – Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
Introduction
Words hold immense power. They can either build us up or tear us down. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that our words can bring life or death. This truth is essential in how we speak about ourselves and others.
Devotional Story
Imagine a young mother named Grace. She often found herself overwhelmed with the responsibilities of raising her children. In moments of frustration, she would say to herself, “I’m a terrible mother,” or “I can’t do anything right.” These words, though said in a moment of weakness, began to shape her reality. She felt more inadequate with each passing day.
One day, Grace’s friend, Anna, noticed her distress and offered some gentle advice. “Grace, your words are powerful. Every time you speak negatively about yourself, you are planting seeds of doubt and insecurity. But if you start speaking life and truth, you can transform your mind and heart.”
Grace took Anna’s advice to heart. She began to change her self-talk. Instead of saying, “I’m a terrible mother,” she would say, “I am doing my best, and I am learning every day.” Instead of “I can’t do anything right,” she declared, “I am capable and strong.” Over time, Grace noticed a significant change in her attitude and outlook on life. She felt more confident and at peace, not because her circumstances changed, but because her words did.
What This Means
Our words are like seeds. What we plant will grow. If we plant negative words, we will reap a harvest of doubt, fear, and insecurity. But if we plant words of truth, hope, and encouragement, we will see a harvest of confidence, peace, and joy.
When we speak words of self-hate, it often stems from a mind poisoned by negative thoughts and lies. By affirming these corrupted thoughts, we further entrench ourselves in a cycle of negativity and despair. God created us in His image and has a unique purpose for each of us. He gives us insights and inspiration, but we must be willing to fight the battle of the mind and walk the path He has laid out for us. We are wonderfully made, and God desires to do great things in our lives. However, we must stop cursing ourselves with negative words and start speaking life.
Think About This
– What kind of words are you planting in your life?
– How can you start speaking more positively about yourself and others?
– Remember, you are made in the image of God, and He has a wonderful plan for you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that our words have power. Help us to speak life and truth into our lives and the lives of others. Forgive us for the times we have spoken negatively about ourselves. Give us the strength to change our words and, in turn, change our lives. Thank You for creating us in Your image and for the wonderful plans You have for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Verse
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14 (KJV)