Lesson 169. The Power of Words

My words are an expression of my inner world; they are my character clothed in the sound of my heart, my identification and my pass to the blessings or curses of the spiritual world. Everything I write or say is subjected to very careful spiritual analysis in the invisible world, and depending on the meaning and motive placed in my words, I am given the gift of influence for good or for evil.

People often say, “They are only words.” And the impression is created that words are merely the sound of one’s mood and that it does not matter what I say. But there are also such statements as, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh,” and, “By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned,” which help me understand that everything I say is subject to strict, unalterable control. My words have an influence both on those to whom they are addressed and on me personally.

I often hear people, while arguing with one another, insert cutting words into their statements, not merely to express their opinion, but to put a label on the other person. And that person begins to prove that he is not like that. Very often Jesus or John the Baptist is cited as an example, with the claim that they spoke this way. Yes, these expressions are in the Bible, and they were spoken under particular circumstances to particular people. But we take them as a model for communication and strike our friends and neighbors with them.

I decided for myself to exclude such expressions from my vocabulary in relation to any person, because my love for people thinks no evil and does not exalt itself above their mistakes.

There are coarse words, abusive words, and negative words that damage the reputations of other people and of those who speak them. As believers, we avoid using them. But there are certain phrases with which we very often like to strike one another, without understanding the harm and influence we cause by doing so. And as a justification for this, we use the example of Jesus. But He loved people, served them, and died for them.

I identified for myself many biblical name-calling words that I decided to remove from my speech. If someone needs to be rebuked, it should not be done with these words. For example: Pharisee, generation of vipers. These are biblical expressions, but in my mouth they are an insult to my neighbors and to God, Whom I desire to represent correctly.

Love does not accuse, but seeks justification for those who are mistaken or think differently.

I have heard such words addressed to me as well, and I know how they sound and what meaning they carry. Therefore, I have excluded them from my life, and I rejoice in this.

I am not the one who now decides the eternal destiny of others; the Lord does. And if He should desire to call someone something, it is not for me to judge. I am no better than other people, because I myself came from among them.

And it is possible to oppose all kinds of movements and teachings without unnecessary, excessive words.

Please love and respect one another, and warn one another tenderly and respectfully.

Underestimating the power of words can also be very dangerous. When I say something unkind, I sometimes do not consider what destructive power my statements can have in the lives of my neighbors. If my neighbor hears these bad words, they will destroy our love, friendship, and tenderness, and afterward our relationship will never become what it could have been. It may even become hostile and cold.

If I say something unkind about my neighbor in his absence, I should remember that the spiritual forces of wickedness in high places listen very attentively to everything I say and bring it to pass, invading and destroying the happiness of those of whom I have a bad opinion. And woe to me if discussing my neighbors has become my usual pastime.

God created our world by His word, and we human beings were created in the image and likeness of God. Our speech is capable of accomplishing much that we do not even consider. And the authority of our words lies in the fact that invisible forces of good and evil stand behind them, waiting for a command to act.

We read in Isaiah 44:26: “That confirmeth the word of His servant, and performeth the counsel of His messengers...” If I always remembered and understood Who stands behind all my utterances, how many mistakes could be avoided, and how many blessings my words of greeting, good wishes, and support would bring. God fulfills in the lives of my neighbors all those blessings that proceed from my mouth. He takes part in every little detail.

I have often noticed that the simple expression, “Do not be sad,” spoken with love, brought peace and joy into the lives of those who were feeling very bad. I did nothing; I simply spoke words of compassion.

A word is a weapon of attack and defense. The Word of God in my mouth is a spiritual sword with which I can gain great victories. And I should learn how to wield this weapon. The spontaneous use even of words of love, without prior training, will show me how much stronger and more skillful the enemy is than I am. But understanding the power of words and the mighty authority of God that stands behind my statements, and knowing how to wield it, will bring me many victories and much joy.

No matter how unpleasant my voice may seem to me, I should also remember that my neighbors listen with their hearts to what my soul tells them. People begin to like what stirs their minds and brings peace and joy. They are filled with love for you and are no longer listening to the person, but to the power that speaks through him.

The words of the wise are like firmly driven nails. A word has the power to convince. And if I am the first person to establish my neighbor in the truth, it will later be difficult for others to persuade him to change his opinion. This is why the process of upbringing and instruction in the truth is so important. For if it is written on the blank page of a person’s soul, it will be his constant guide for the rest of his life. And it is often much more difficult to persuade people to change their minds than to teach those who know nothing. But God’s Word can also work miracles in transforming one’s way of thinking.

The essence of the great controversy is to create in the human mind the way of thinking of a righteous person, while the enemy of souls offers his own way of thinking, which is opposed to righteousness. And the power that triumphs in my mind will rule in my life.

And my words testify as to who my master is and by whose power I am waging the struggle. The will chooses between two masters and gives a signal to the mind, and the mind begins to heed the source of nourishment for my soul that I have allowed into my heart.

Love helps us choose the better side in the struggle. It knows the voice of God and is His herald in this world. The words spoken and written by love have authority from God to convince others that it speaks the truth and should be heeded. The influence of love, though unobtrusive, is very great. It tears down strongholds of error; it restores ruins; it knows how to create masterpieces out of emptiness; it speaks tenderly and firmly; it gives life and meaning to everything it touches. Love kindles light in the kingdom of darkness. And it is able to speak with the tongues of angels and of men. It hears the voice of God and obeys Him.

Words of love are life and happiness for the one who speaks and for those who listen. Kind words are a source of light, life, and inspiration.

Bind your neighbors to yourself with your tender words; do not be ashamed to speak what is good, and this will bring abundant fruit unto eternal life.

1. What interesting things did you learn in this lesson?

2. Based on your own experience, have you realized the power that words have upon a person?

3. What reveals the condition of the heart?

4. Why is it so important not to speak badly about a person, especially when that person is absent?

5. What is God’s Word in your mouth?

6. What is the essence of the great controversy in the light of this lesson?

7. What advantages do we have when we choose love?

8. Please read Luke 6:45; Colossians 3:12–13, 17; Ephesians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 13:13; Galatians 6:9; Romans 12:10, 14, 19; James 3:10–12; 1:26; Matthew 12:37; Ephesians 4:25, 29–32; Psalm 15:3; Isaiah 6:5–7; Proverbs 17:4 in the light of our lesson.