By Mindy Jones
The two most potent weapons Christian women have are the Living Word of God and their tongues.
Hold on a minute.
You read that right—our tongues are powerful weapons! Our tongues have the power to speak LIFE or DEATH.
- They can bless, and they can curse.
- They can uplift, and they can destroy.
- They can speak the truth, and they can tell lies.
Let’s take a look at why it’s essential to understand how powerful our tongues are and how we can use them to build each other up.
Let's take a look at why it's essential to understand how powerful our tongues are and how we can use them to build each other up.Matthew 12:35-36 says, “A good man produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil man produces evil things from his storeroom of evil. I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak…”
Whoa. That’s a mighty weapon and a weighty responsibility!
This is why we see our husbands deflate when a few harsh words leave our lips.
This is why our kids shut down and feel defeated when we snap at them.
If we truly understood just how powerful our words are, we would probably be a LOT more careful with what words we use.
Now that we know our tongues’ power, how can we use them as tools for building up rather than tearing down?
3 Ways To Use Your Tongue To Build Up Your Family
When we speak, we are putting specific words out into the world. And who do we talk to the most? Our families.
Let’s commit to speak life into our families today!
There is enough pressure on them from the outside world, and Satan is ready and waiting to distract and tear them down. He wants to steal, kill, and destroy our families (Jn 10:10).
We have the power—God’s Holy Spirit—to stop this destructive process.
When we speak, we are putting specific words out into the world. Let’s commit to speak life into our families today!1 – Speak Life to Your Husband
There are so many different pressures our spouses faces every day:
- Providing for their families
- Succeeding at their jobs and ministries
- Worrying about failing daily
- Leading their families in the way of the Lord
Not an easy job being a man!
As women, we need to be a source of encouragement and light in our spouses’ lives under Jesus Christ.
We have power through the Holy Spirit to completely alter our husband’s mood and thought process.
Whether we have had a tough, long, or stressful day, the way we respond to our husbands is our responsibility.
2 – Speak Life to Your Kids
Do you remember the words that were spoken to you as a child and growing up? Did they have a negative or positive impact on your life?
Think about your answer and then ask yourself the question, “Would you want those same words spoken over your kids’ lives?”
Maybe you would, or perhaps you are shouting on the inside, “No way!”
When we speak encouraging words to our kids (especially when we are holding on to just a small piece of sanity), we instantly uplift their spirits!
Our words have the power to transform the mood in our homes and our hearts.
Do the words spoken in your home communicate love and truth to your children? Our words have the power to transform the mood in our homes.Kids are so gracious. They don’t tend to hold onto grudges or remember when we aren’t as patient as we should be.
But whether or not they remember the exact words spoken to them, they do remember how they feel in our presence. Make sure the words you say in your home communicate love and truth to your children.
When they are struggling, speak Scripture over them.
When they are joyful, remind them to praise God.
When they are feeling low, teach them about God’s love.
Here are some uplifting and powerful words we can speak over our children:
- You are so loved.
- You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
- You have intrinsic value.
- You are capable of doing things.
- You are beautifully unique.
These are just a few examples of words that will breathe life into your kids and reflect God’s love in your home!
3 – Speak Life to Yourself
It is just as important to remember to speak life to your mind as well. Philippians 4:8 says to only think about things that are from God!
Anything that isn’t from Him doesn’t deserve a minute of your time!
“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8
If it isn’t in God’s mind about you, it shouldn’t be in yours either.
Think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and excellent; speak them out into existence!
Think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and excellent; speak them out into existence!Speak Uplifting Words Everyday
Although I often let my flesh and my emotions speak over what I know to be true, I am always striving to speak life in my home.
Thankfully, God extends forgiveness to us when we fall short of His standard. And my husband and my daughter are gracious when I mess up.
These biblical principles not only apply to our families but also affect how we speak to other people.
Maybe you are having a bad day, and the last thing you want to do is say positive, affirming words!
Or perhaps you are having the most fantastic day and notice a friend who is struggling.
No matter the situation, take the opportunity to speak life into that person’s life. It can lighten their spirit instantly and change the whole direction of their day.
Christ also desires to speak life to you today. Will you let Him?
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Christ also desires to speak life to you today. Will you let Him?-Mindy Jones
Mindy Jones is a Christ-follower and full-time mom. She is also a parenting blogger who has been quoted on HuffPost & The Associated Press. Her mission is to guide Christian moms in becoming more intentional in their faith, family, and homes! She has a huge passion for helping moms raise godly children and strengthen their marriages without feeling overwhelmed. Read more of Mindy’s writing on her blog and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.
