Proverbs 18:21 tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. We see this played out in our lives - when we are encouraged or criticized, words can impact us accordingly - from childhood and on. The words we speak are a spiritual gauge that show how much we have surrendered our lives to God. What is really inside of us tends to come out when we are squeezed by difficult circumstances, showing the true condition of our hearts. We influence people all of the time with our words and will reap the reward of the words that we choose to speak. You have heard the saying that hurt people hurt people and the reverse is also true: free people free people! This is why we must be careful about what we say! Our words can condemn us. If you look at Eve in the garden, Satan didn't bite her to infect her with sin, he simply spoke to her and his words infected her. Then those words infected Adam and were passed down to all of humanity. James 3:2-5 tells us about the tongue - how a bit in the mouth of a horse controls it, or the rudder of a giant ship directs its course. It is like a small spark that can set a whole forest ablaze. James cautions us to control our tongues. There are three things that can help uproot words of death in our lives. First - guard your heart. Matthew 12:34 reminds us the mouth speaks the overflow of the heart. Second - Limit your tongue. Remember that correction is not bad, but the way we speak matters. Third - Speak truth instead of lies. When a lie is spoken, speak the truth over it. Repent of believing the words of someone else over God. Cast off the lies. Bless others - including the ones who have hurt you.

Amen!