How to make your words powerful is important for through words we express ourselves, persuade others, and build or break relationships. Communication in all its forms is crucial to our life.

Words impact how others perceive us and reveal the essence of who we are. The real you is hidden, but as a man thinks within himself, so he is, Proverbs 23:7.

Power of Words

The undeniable power of words is that they can heal or hurt, create change, shape relationships, lift up or tear down, inspire or discourage. It also depends on how and when they are delivered, for the tone of voice changes things dramatically. The true power of words is also how we receive what others say. Our words resonate long after they have been spoken.

The tongue plays a major role for it is like the rudder of large ship, or the bit in a horse’s mouth. Small but powerful that has an effect far beyond its proportions. The tongue is a small part of the body and yet it boasts of great things, James 3:5. Understanding this will make our words far more powerful.

Danger of Words

Clear communication ensures that your message is understood and valued. Relationships run into deep trouble when the participants can’t or won’t hear what the other person is saying.

The danger is that our words are easily misunderstood and often cause offence and resentment. The spoken word, like the spent arrow and time, cannot be taken back and can cause irreparable harm.

It is important we listen to the people we communicate with and carefully consider what is said. Certain words may crop up in a conversation that tell us more about the speaker than what is spoken. Therefore, the gift of discernment is of vital importance to the true follower of Christ.

War of Words

We live in a world where there is a constant war of words. Snide remarks, arguments, inuendoes, insults and criticism scar a person’s soul. When others hear our words they receive them through the filter of their own emotions and experience.

There is no more powerful word than the Word of God. It is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. Piercing to the division of the soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow. Able to judge the thoughts and intents of the heart, Hebrews 4:32.

To be effective in sharing the Word, you must first know the Word, John 1:1. That means we need to walk daily in a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Win the Battle

The follower of Christ needs to meet the tribulations of this world with the word of God firmly implanted in their heart. Just as Jesus answered Satan in the wilderness, Matthew 4:4,7,10. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses, 2 Corinthians 10:4.

Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you, James 4:7. Through real faith in God we are not only victorious but also overcomers. Faith is the key to winning the battle.

Words of Appeal

We frequently use words in self-defense, just as an injured player, who has been fouled, might appeal to the referee. Such a person has a defeated attitude and is in self-defense mode. Ready to blame others for the way they have been treated.

When we are wronged we face life-changing choices.  We can either accept the hurt-bearing words and actions and enter the road of defeat and hopelessness. Or we can choose to be an overcomer like Christ was.

When we truly understand the Way of the Cross we will stop whining about being mistreated or unfairly used. Body broken and bleeding, after having been bitterly maligned and mocked and hung on a cruel wooden cross. Jesus cries out Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing, Luke 23:34. That prayer was more effective than a thousand words spoken.

Keys

The key is to think before you speak, and that is vital in a world of utter chaos. It is a mistake to just blurt out whatever comes into your mind. To speak heedlessly is the action of an overbearing person and a bully.

For your words to be more powerful you must think clearly, speak clearly and be concise. Unnecessary jargon, along with ummming and aaaahing wastes everyone’s time and tests the patience of the listener. Speak less and avoid rambling.

Your choice of words is also important. Simple and direct language is the powerful way to speak. That means not speaking down as if to a little child or sounding like an over-educated professor.

Know Your Audience

Consider what your listener cares about and what resonates with him or her. You are not there to impose your opinion on them. It is often wiser to hold your peace on certain subjects. Even sharing the gospel of Christ will be more powerful if you hear where the other person is coming from.

There are times to be strong in your opinion, as Christ was with the Pharisees and Sadducees. Yet, to others He spoke as gently as a parent comforting a child. For real power in your words you need to adapt your tone and vocabulary to whoever you are speaking to.

There is no place for ‘You must listen to what I am saying’. Life is all about growing together. The day we are too callous to empathize with others, or hear what they have to say, is the day we become boring and our words powerless.

Storytelling

People connect with stories and emotions, rather than facts alone. Jesus told parables that resonated with his listeners. Christ gave the people something to relate to, as He disclosed the secrets of heaven. All preachers need to heed this example.

We read of Jesus calming the storm, healing the man lowered down through the roof, or Peter walking on the water and we are inspired by these stories. If Jesus had only disclosed endless things about heaven it would have become just a list of facts rather than inspiring us to search for the narrow gate, and a true relationship with Christ, Matthew 7:13,14.

Life is a journey that each one of us must travel. Words impact how we make that journey, which is seldom smooth and easy. The more you desire to know God and submit to His mighty hand, James 4:7, the more fiery trials you will encounter, 1 Peter 4:12. It is then that words of comfort encourage you to continue to be and enjoy the benefits of being an overcomer.

How to Make Your Words Powerful

To make your words powerful consider the words of Paul. I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me, Galatians 2:20.

Our words will be powerful if we are be led by the indwelling Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 3:16. Our words are a two-edged sword that pierces the heart of the listener, Psalm 12:18. May our words be a blessing, not a condemnation and carefully spoken with power, yet humility.

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Dr. Wendy Stenberg-Tendys is a servant of the Lord who enjoys researching Biblical topics and sharing words of encouragement from the Word of God. She asks the hard questions.

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