You Speak an Average of 7,000 words per day, What Does the Overflow Say About You?

Overflowing Fountain — Image by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay

When Jesus becomes the Lord of our life, we become new creations. Like His disciples, we, too, have heard and believed the words of life. Out of the overflow of our hearts, our mouths speak. What do the words you say reveal about your heart?

Clearing Out the Old Self

No one is perfect. There will be times as a parent, a spouse, a child, a friend, or a co-worker when you speak according to the old self. Words are powerful because they are the only way to reveal the mysteries in our hearts. Because they have such power, we must intentionally choose when to speak and what to say when we do. We must strive to be encouragers, so we must first find encouragement in Jesus. We must allow the work of Jesus (through the Holy Spirit) in our hearts so that we naturally speak encouragement and good.

As I study Jesus’ words and Paul’s writings (particularly Ephesians), I find myself convicted by what I say. I am often too sarcastic (too often cynical), missing the opportunity to bless and encourage others. The Old Testament says to speak life, not in a way that causes plants to grow or sprout new flowers, but in ways that point people back to goodness and truth. I feel like Jesus would say to me, “You heard and learned the words of Life, go, and as you go, give the gift found in those words to others.” May Jesus continue cleaning out the corners of my heart as I walk with Him in faith. May each day bring me more maturity as I am being made new. I pray that Jesus would do that for you too.

Jesus Loves Me

Jesus explained that His followers would be known because of the way that they loved. When Jesus spoke about the good fruit being produced, He talked about how we would treat one another. In perhaps, the greatest long definition of what love means, Paul says this:

⁴Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

Because Jesus first loved us, particularly when we were unlovable, we are called to love all people. Jesus instructed us to love our enemies and those that would persecute us. This is the work we are called to do and must pursue deeply and maturely. We would do well to meditate on these four verses. Imagine if the overflow of our hearts produced the encouragement that love never gives up or loses faith. What if our words proclaimed hope and endurance or remembered that love is not irritable and keeps no record of being wronged? How much difference would that make in the world? How much difference would that make in your life?

7,000 Chances

Words come from the deep places in our souls. Our anger, fear, irritation, and frustration can shape them. But each word represents a choice you can make. Every word has a chance to be spoken with love and point back to Jesus. Each day we can be encouragers and cheerleaders for our family, friends, and those we work with. Because Jesus first loved you, you go and love. And may you grow in maturity each day, finding creativity and inspiration in the words you use. And may those words be gifts to everyone who hears them.