SJF - Daily Worship, Word and Spirit - Dec. 8, 2023

Speaking with knowledge and understanding is a privilege given to humanity by God. Speaking separates us from the animal kingdom and gives us the ability to communicate and coordinate with God and with each other. God created us in His image and likeness. One place says “after His similitude” (that’s a fancy word for likeness). We can bless people with our words or we can curse them. Jesus said that we actually bless or curse ourselves when we speak.

“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”” (Matthew 12:36–37, NKJV)

Read this without a filter. What we say will either condemn us or justify us. There is an accounting for what we say. We will have what we say. The words we speak are living. Even idle words give an accounting in our lives. Are our words kind, compassionate, merciful? Are our words aligned with our faith in God and what He has said? Do we speak the truth in love?  A humble person recognizes that God speaks the truth. So, the best, safest and most powerful way to speak is to stay full of His Spirit which floods our hearts with faith, hope and love, and then say what God says. If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all.