Listening More Promotes Healthy Conversations

Whatever occupies space in my heart will eventually write the script for tomorrow and many future tomorrows. Thoughts, beliefs, ideas, and dreams all reside deep within, sometimes sneaking out past curfew through a great door, no doubt. The words we speak are like putting pen to paper. Can this really be?

The Bible tells us that we have power in our tongue—power for life and death (Proverbs 18:21). Our words can boost or bring down, soothe or splinter. That’s almost scary! So many times, I’ve reverted to a verse in Proverbs, “Set a watch over my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” This isn’t about road-rage, swearing, or even name-calling. It seemed that the things I spoke, or even my half-hearted comments, had great influence.

What am I saying about my identity? My purpose? Do I notice discrepancies? Am I wondering where that statement just came from? Do I even hear some of the things I say?

A healthy heart begins with feasting on God’s Word, the bread of life! When nourished with this truth, our words will reflect what is in our hearts. “With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth…I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.” (Psalm 119:13-15) This is exactly what following the example of Jesus looks like. His reply to the devil’s temptation in Luke 4:4 was, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” As if pulling out a sword, Jesus slashed through the enemy’s lies. Jesus only said and did that which the Father said and did.

What if we consider our words to be like seeds? What, then, do we hope to grow? Last month, I mentioned being more intentional as I walk in my purpose. A healthy way to begin is by listening to scripture (whether you’re reading aloud or playing it via an audio device) and meditating on it. We don’t have to shy away from the act of meditation. I find it fun to “doodle” my favorite verses with colored pens and fancy lettering in a large notebook I keep. This, too, is meditating—getting still, quieting our minds, and making space for an upgrade. And, the more we ponder on any one thing, the greater presence it will have in our words and conversations.

Jesus referred to himself as the vine and his father as the gardener. What a great illustration of health! In John 15, Jesus said that we would be most fruitful if we remained connected to the vine. “If you remain in me and I in you, then you will bear much fruit.” We can expect to see a plant with buds, one that’s flourishing and showing promise—God’s promises. This quiet diet will yield fruit from the “word-seeds” we’ve been saying and sowing. Get ready to discover your best health—blooms of goodness and redemption growing from within!

Reflection

What words have been planted in your heart that need to be nurtured or possibly uprooted? Who or what is the source?
Consider those in your immediate family or circle. Are your words life-giving or showing evidence that you’re closely connected to Jesus?
When you consider your words to be seeds, describe the “harvest” you hope to produce in this season of your life.

Goals

Set aside five minutes each morning to quiet your thoughts and meditate on God’s promises for today. List 3 truths on which you will meditate, so that you remain connected to the Vine.

““For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

(Matthew 12:34, NIV)

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You”

(Psalms119:11 NKJV)

“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”

(Proverbs 10:19 NKJV)