From Words of Death to Words of Life: Take the Two-Week Word Fast Challenge"
I recently attended a funeral for a dear friend and listened to his friends and family speak about his accomplishments and character. I heard many stories of how my friend was generous and always had time for those he loved.
Sadly, it is often only at funerals where we speak wonderful words over someone's life. At the ministry I work for, when it's someone's birthday, the team comes together and asks God for a scripture, word, or picture for the upcoming year. Then we all take time and affirm the birthday guy/girl. This thoughtful act can often take a good hour of the workday, but I can attest to the much-needed reminder it has served in my life, especially on hard days.
Words hold so much power! Some of us have spent a lot of our lives living under certain words, both good and bad. Perhaps someone called you a failure when you were ten years old and it dictated much of your education. Or, maybe someone called you treasured and it kept you from stepping into a relationship with the wrong person because you knew your value.
Proverbs 18:21 tells us, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
It can be easy to forget that our words can carry life or death, especially in the heat of the moment. Let this serve as a reminder to us all to be better; to speak life.
What kind of words do you speak to those around you? What about yourself?
My sister, I want to challenge you to a two-week word fast!
For the next fourteen days, prioritize paying close attention to the words you speak over others, situations, and yourself. If you find a word flowing from your tongue that carries death, repent and try again. I gave this a go for thirty days and can honestly say it shifted the spiritual climate around me. I am eager to hear how it may shift yours!
Meet the Author
Allicia Bankuti
Allicia Bankuti lives in Westport, Ontario and has been serving full-time with an inner healing ministry for 12 years. After walking a journey of healing and restoration in her own life, Allicia realized she was dissatisfied with what the world had to offer and gave up her dream of being in advertising to pursue God full time in ministry. Allicia’s heart is to see people of all ages passionately run after God and to see His love and healing reach a broken world. When she isn’t teaching or ministering, Allicia can be found watching cheesy Hallmark films (seriously, the cheesier the better), photographing weddings or on a basketball court with her wonderful boyfriend and his two amazing boys.
