Words are extremely powerful things. Nations have rallied together because of a single speech. Top-level leaders of huge companies have fallen because of what they said in a single sentence. Relationships have thrived and failed over words that were said.

The Creator used words to speak this creation into existence, and ever since then on a much smaller scale our words have had the power to shape things. Words have the power to shape lives. But the apostle James explained the danger in that: “No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8).

In modern terms, he might have compared it to a fire hose with no nozzle to control it. The more you try to control it, the more you realize you can’t. The only thing you can do is stop the source. And the fire hydrant that feeds your mouth is none other than your heart. Whatever is in your heart is eventually going to come out in the form of words.

God is not content to teach you how to filter your language, and he gives no classes on how to choose your words carefully. Jesus came not to tame your tongue but to address your heart.

So when the Word of God became flesh and dwelled among us, he spoke some powerful words that transform you from within:

It is finished. I forgive you. I am with you always. Peace I leave with you.