SJF - Daily Worship, Spirit and Word - Apr. 29, 2024

“And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak,” (2 Corinthians 4:13, NKJV)

As believers, we speak what we believe. Our faith, hope and love authors our language. And speaking the loving truth, we grow up into the head, even Christ. Believers who want to grow in Christ will apply the fruit of the spirit to the way they speak. Paul said it was like travailing in birth “until Christ be formed in you”. The one who received the calling for them felt the pangs of wanting them to grow into the head, even Christ.

Why is our language important? When people with authority speak, they influence others. When people with power speak, they impact the lives of those who are within the reach of their power. Believers who are aware that their words have authority and power limit their speech to that which “ministers grace to the hearer.” The first hearer of your words is you. Your words can minister grace to you. “Oh, but doesn’t God give grace?” Of course, but… you are a dispenser of that grace through the words you speak. Minister grace to your self. Minister grace to others. Plant your own yard with grace. Sow grace into your own family. Pour grace into your own life. Then share the overflow with as many people as you can.

We believe and therefore we speak, and that which we speak should pour grace over everything and everyone we touch.