The Hebrew root of the word “sapphire” is to speak, to tell, to declare. I think of God’s word as a precious jewel. What if every word that came out of our mouths were jewels of love, compassion, mercy, inspiration, encouragement or blessing.
Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).
THINK ABOUT IT
We can bless or curse by the things we say. The spoken or written word becomes indelible in people’s hearts and minds. “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell” (James 3:5-7). We can choose instead to speak good to people. “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words God” (1 Peter 4:11). Choose today to bless and not to curse with what you say.
PRAY ABOUT IT
Thank you, Holy Lord, for the way you made us. Help us to be aware of what we say to people. Help us to be more like Jesus–to bless and show compassion and not hatred or malice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tell Me the Story 