Your Words Are a Gift

In every interaction with others, we have the chance to share God’s love. Through our actions and words, we show Christianity in either a positive or a negative light. We build others up or tear them down. Our words are powerful and matter. Have you considered the impact of your words? 

We have all been around someone who speaks love into our lives. We feel important and cared for in their presence. We have also been around people who speak to us as if we are a burden to them and leave us feeling unworthy. Whether through brief interactions or longer encounters, the words a person uses can have a tremendous impact on us, and these words often linger in our minds longer than we realize.

I am definitely guilty of not always considering my words. Whether I say something teasingly or am fed up with a situation, I carelessly choose my words. Yet, Ephesians 4:29 reminds us that our words should be chosen carefully. “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” (NIV).

When studying the Bible, I always consult different translations because the wording often resonates differently. Sometimes, a translation simplifies the message, making it easier to understand, while other times, a particular word speaks to me. When I looked up Ephesians 4:29 in different translations, I found that several translations used different words to convey the same message.  Here are a few of the translations:

The NLT translates Ephesians 4:29 as “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” 

The International Children’s Bible translates part of this verse as “But say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. “

The MSG version translates the end of the verse like this: “Say only what helps, each word a gift.” 

A gift. I love that wording. Have you ever thought of your words as a gift? Your words can be a gift of life. A gift of comfort. A gift of God’s love.

When I give a physical gift, I take the time to carefully consider my purchase. I prioritize the recipient’s preferences and select something I believe will bring them joy. We should adopt a similar approach in our conversations. What would our conversations look like if we paused and reflected on the person’s needs before speaking? 

We need to put that person before ourselves and consider what would be beneficial to them. James 1:19 reminds us that we “should be quick to listen, (and) slow to speak.” It’s important to pause and reflect before we open our mouths and listen first, then slowly speak.

When we speak, our words should be helpful and encouraging, and we must choose words that help others become stronger. It is important to pause and reflect on our own lives and make sure we are anchored to God so His goodness will overflow in our words. Reading our Bibles, praying, and seeking Him will help us overflow with love for those around us. Luke 6:45 reminds us that “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” 

Filling our lives with what is good, whether it is the books we read, who we hang out with,  or the movies we watch, influences what flows out of us. What we fill ourselves with is what we become, so if we choose a lifestyle surrounded by negativity and worldliness, our words will begin to reflect that. What we choose to fill our lives with matters.

Next time you are around someone, take a moment to pause and consider how your words could impact them. If someone is worried or upset, what words could you use to lift them up and encourage them? If they are less than polite, demanding, or frustrating to you, take a moment to pause. Listen to what they are saying – really saying – and keep in mind that their actions may not be who they are; they may just be having a bad day. Think about how you can build them up and strengthen them with your words. With each person you encounter during your day, be mindful of how the words you choose can be a gift to them.

I encourage you to treat each word as a gift to those around you. Choose your words carefully because words matter.