“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
– Psalm 119:103 (NIV)
Daily Meditation: Psalm 119:97-104, Matthew 23
“We don’t do that here!” the elderly woman whispered sharply, and the young girl who dared to let her feet move to the rhythm of the song at church slowly crept back to her seat, feeling ashamed and embarrassed.
Words have great power. We all know from personal experience just how powerful—and painful—words can be. But there is one extra ingredient that can really multiply the strength and viciousness of the spoken word: legalism! We add to the Scriptures rules and regulations that are not found within its pages, and as a result, we isolate people and push them away from the truth.
Oh, that my words would reflect my Father’s heart and be as beneficial as His words, for “sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” I want people to hear those kinds of words from my mouth and be encouraged and uplifted! But when we sprinkle the spice of legalism over our words, we are spreading bitterness that brings death instead of life.
It’s tempting to focus on rules that set clear parameters and keep us from having to evaluate each situation individually, but our focus should be on Jesus. We have a relationship with Him, not with legalistic rules. And what’s more, His words are sweet! When we dwell in the presence of our holy God, our words will reflect the company we keep. If we spend time around people who are negative, legalistic, and discouraging, our words will start to reflect those attributes as well. But if we spend our time with Jesus and surround ourselves with people who are encouraging and positive, our words will change, and so will our lives!
“We can only offer true healing with our words
when we have a strong spiritual life.
By focusing on our relationship with God,
we’re also focused on the source of all wisdom in our lives.”
– Lauren C. Moye
Let’s focus on keeping our words pleasant and uplifting. Let’s follow God’s example and use our words to bless other people, not tear them down.
Let’s let 2019 be the year we grow closer to the Lord and become the fearless, strong, and faithful woman we are meant to be in Him! In Be Fearless, Julie Clinton provides a scripturally-sound guide for finding freedom, purpose, joy… and fearlessness. Be Fearless is now available in our store! https://www.aacc.net/product/be-fearless/ Consider working through Be Fearless with another extraordinary woman or group this year!
Julie Clinton, MAd, MBA, is president of Extraordinary Women and host of EWomen conferences all across America. She is the author of several books including A Woman’s Path to Emotional Freedom, 10 Things You Aren’t Telling Him, and Extraordinary Women. She is passionate about seeing women live out their dreams by finding their freedom in Christ. Julie and her husband, Tim, live in Virginia with their children, Megan and Zach.