The Ten Commandments: Devotions From Time of GraceSample

The Eighth Commandment: Words Mean Something  

Is there such a thing as a meaningless word? Words like emergency or winner command attention more than words like asparagus. But the word asparagus could answer the question, “Which of the items on this plate is laced with rat poison?” That gives it meaning.

Every word can, and does, have weight and effect. Words make a difference. Words do something. Words often sinfully hurt others. Sarcasm. Harsh criticism. Gossip. Angry arguing. And we don’t have the power to take our words back. As a matter of fact, we don’t even have the power on our own to change how we speak. We need healing.

First Peter 2:23,24 talks about the enemies of Jesus: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. ‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’” 

Because Jesus bore your words of sin, you are healed. You know God’s language. Like Texans can detect a Wisconsin accent that gives away a person’s identity, people will be able to tell that your identity is found in Jesus. You love him and his words. 

With a heart filled by the very words of God himself, your Jesus-like words are going to make a difference. They will change hearts. As much as Jesus has changed yours.