As I reflect on today’s homily, I see that its lessons go far beyond the dangers of social media debates. Yes, there are people online who claim to seek truth but are really just looking to argue. Yes, Jesus warned us not to throw our pearls before swine, and that’s a lesson we must take seriously. But there’s a bigger picture here.
The power of words isn’t just about avoiding deception—it’s about using words to build a life that honors God, strengthens relationships, and leads others toward truth. So let’s go beyond the warnings and explore how we can apply these lessons to every area of life.
- Words Shape Reality—Use Them to Build, Not Destroy
“Let there be light.” And there was light. (Genesis 1:3)
Think about this—God spoke the world into existence. He didn’t just think creation into being—He used words. That tells us that words aren’t just sounds or symbols—they have creative power. They shape reality.
- Words shape our relationships. A kind word can heal; a cruel word can destroy.
- Words shape our self-perception. If we constantly tear ourselves down, we’ll start believing it.
- Words shape our faith. When we speak God’s truth, we strengthen our trust in Him.
This is why Jesus warns us:
“For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37)
Challenge: Be intentional with your words. Speak life, not destruction.
- Words Reflect the Heart—Guard What You Say
“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)
Words are like a window into our souls. If you listen to someone long enough, you’ll see who they really are. That means we must pay attention to our own words because they reveal what’s inside us.
But here’s the flip side—words don’t just reveal our hearts; they also train our hearts.
- If we constantly complain, our hearts will become bitter.
- If we constantly encourage, our hearts will become generous.
- If we constantly gossip, our hearts will become toxic.
Challenge: Pay attention to what you say. If you notice negative patterns in your speech, ask God to renew your heart.
- Words Have Consequences—Know When to Speak and When to Be Silent
“There is a time to be silent and a time to speak.” (Ecclesiastes 3:7)
Just because we can say something doesn’t mean we should. There’s wisdom in knowing when to speak and when to hold back.
- Jesus spoke boldly before Pilate (John 18:36), but He refused to answer Herod (Luke 23:9).
- He rebuked the Pharisees harshly (Matthew 23:13-36), but He gently corrected Nicodemus (John 3:1-21).
- He commanded His disciples to spread the Gospel, but also said, “Shake the dust off your feet” when people refuse to listen (Matthew 10:14).
Sometimes, silence is wisdom. Other times, speaking up is courage. The key is knowing which situation calls for which response.
Challenge: Before you speak, ask yourself: Is this the right time? Is this the right way?
- Words Are a Weapon—Use Them for Truth, Not Manipulation
“Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)
The only offensive weapon in the armor of God is the Word of God. That means our words are meant to be used for battle—but only in the right way.
- Words can be used to defend truth (1 Peter 3:15).
- Words can be used to fight deception (2 Corinthians 10:5).
- Words can be used to set captives free (John 8:32).
But words can also be used for manipulation, deception, and harm. That’s why Jesus tells us:
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.” (Matthew 7:6)
This means:
- Don’t waste truth on those who refuse to listen.
- Don’t get trapped in endless arguments with people who aren’t seeking truth.
- Don’t use your words to manipulate others—use them to bring light.
Challenge: Use your words as a weapon for truth, not for control.
- Words Should Lead Us to Love—Not Just to Be “Right”
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2)
This is the most important lesson.
We can win every argument, prove every point, and defeat every opponent, but if we don’t speak with love, we are missing the whole point.
- Love doesn’t mean avoiding truth. Jesus still rebuked people when necessary.
- Love doesn’t mean always being gentle. Sometimes, strong words are needed.
- But love means our goal is never just to win an argument—it’s to bring people closer to Christ.
Challenge: Before speaking, ask: “Is my goal to be right, or is my goal to love?”
Final Thoughts: Words Build Our Lives—Use Them Wisely
Words are not just about social media debates. They shape everything—our faith, our relationships, our influence, and even our future.
Let’s remember:
- Words shape reality—use them to build, not destroy.
- Words reflect the heart—guard what you say.
- Words have consequences—know when to speak and when to be silent.
- Words are a weapon—use them for truth, not manipulation.
- Words should lead to love—not just being “right.”
“Be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
My prayer for you is that your words will be full of life, wisdom, and truth—bringing light to those who seek it and strength to those who need it.
With love, prayers, and a little laughter,
A fellow traveler