The words you say have extraordinary power. Your voice is unique; it is a gift from God. There has never been a person who speaks like you, and your words have enormous potential. The use we make of our words says a lot about us, as it is one of the main ways we influence those around us.

Our words have the ability to encourage or discourage, to build or destroy, to kill or to give life. Reckless words pierce like swords. It's important to remember that your words are powerful and your speech is valuable. The best and worst of us can be revealed through our words.

James gives us several examples of the power of words and the influence of the tongue. It talks about putting a bridle in the horses' mouth, and how this can steer a huge animal. It tells of a ship that, although large and driven by strong winds, is steered with a very small rudder. And then he tells us how a tiny spark can set fire to a great forest.

In this way we see that, although our tongue is very small, it has an enormous influence, not only on our lives but also on the lives of those around us. We must recognize the power of our words, but also realize that they reveal what is in our hearts. If you want to know what's in your heart, listen carefully to what you say.

Now, comes the question, how do we master our tongue? To begin with, we must ask the Holy Spirit to produce the fruit of self-control in our lives and transform our hearts with His love, so that the way we speak and live reflects real change.

Think of the difference this could make! Then you would become a person of which others say, "There's something special about you, there's wisdom in the way you speak and also in the way you treat others." Your words will produce life! Ask the Lord today to help you develop self-control, guard your tongue, and cleanse your heart.

Suggested Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, Your words have great creative power, they created the world, and Your breath of life brought me into existence. I confess that sometimes my words cause death and make others suffer. Help me, Lord, to master my tongue, so that I can exercise self-control, and that the words I speak reflect love for others. I want to be close to you so that my heart is so full of your presence that I know what to say, when to say it, and when to be silent. Guide me and direct me to please you with my words. In your holy name, Amen.

1.    James 3:9-10 (NVI).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.