Is there such a thing as a meaningless word? Words like emergency or winner demand much more attention than words like asparagus or follicle. 

But the word asparagus could answer the question, “Which of the items on this plate is laced with rat poison?” That gives it much more meaning.

Sarcasm. Harsh criticism. Gossip. Angry arguing. Wrong words don’t just hurt others. They hurt the ones who speak them. We are polluted by our own noise pollution. 

To change how you speak, Jesus doesn’t give you speech lessons or stick duct tape over your mouth. No, Jesus changes your heart. He fills it with his grace, his righteousness, and his words of love. 

Here’s how he did that. First Peter 2:23 talks about the enemies of Jesus torturing and crucifying him: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”

Jesus didn’t argue with his enemies or even curse them, but he prayed to his Father to forgive them. On the cross, he spoke saving words to a condemned thief and caring words to his mother. These words forgive and save you too. They mean Jesus loves you and is teaching you God’s language.

Texans can detect my Midwestern accent that gives away my roots and identity. Likewise, people will be able to tell that your identity is rooted in Jesus when you love him and use his words.