Say What

Like a Boomerang

Jesus teaches that we will be judged according to our own words. If we speak condemnation, we will be condemned. If we speak encouragement, we will be encouraged.

“For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
(Matthew 7:2)

The Great Evangelical Mistake

"Wait a minute -- I thought salvation was by faith alone?"

We often extol the gate of salvation — the cross — which is good. But we often neglect the narrow road of discipleship that follows.

Jesus is clear: our words will be examined at the judgment. If not for His mercy and forgiveness, no one could stand. Because of His grace, we can become "new trees" with "new fruit"

Three Kinds of Tree; Three Kinds of Fruit

The dark tree bears rotten fruit

Spewing venom is never appropriate for a regenerate heart.

The barren tree bears no fruit
Biting our tongues to stifle wicked words is not an adequate goal either.

The revived tree bears delicious fruit
Like a fountain, a renewed heart will flow forth in praise to God and encouragement for others.

Disclaimer: Good Words Are Not Always Soft

Sometimes good medicine tastes awful!

“Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed.”
(Proverbs 27:5)

“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
(2 Timothy 4:12)

Make the Tree Good

Are your words venom?
Perhaps your heart needs revival, and forgiveness needs to make a home in your heart.

Are your words neutral?
Perhaps you only need to prime the pump to let encouragement flow.

Are your words a fountain of blessing?
Praise God for the work he has done in you! Moreover: praise God for the work He is doing through you!

Our words hold the power of death and life. What we say can turn cold hearts of stone into beating hearts of flesh.