The Kingdom of God dwells in the life of a believer (Luke 17:21), so I was convicted when it was brought to my attention that I spoke words that were not grace-driven, and injured a friend. Thankfully the Holy Spirit used this circumstance to remind me that I have the ability to speak life or death through my words. (Proverbs 18:21)
In Ephesians 4:29, we are told to speak words of edification, so that it will give grace to those who hear. And in Bill Johnson’s book, Face to Face with God, he says that grace is really divine favor. “It is as though He (God) is saying to whomever you show favor, I will show favor.”
I like the idea that every time I speak encouragement to someone, I am releasing God’s favor. I want my words to empower, not injure, to edify and not tear down. I want to be a grace-driven, grace-given edifier, don’t you?
