Most of us know that our words have power. We have hurt and we have been hurt with words. As followers of Jesus, we are to be careful with our words and steward them as the powerful tools the Master provided.

 

I know that I am too quick with my words. I know I have hurt and I know I have blessed. I desire to be more of a blessing and less of a curse. I think most of the time I am unaware of just how powerful a comment, word, or opinion is. Thus, I am trying to spend less time speaking and more time thinking about the consequences of speech. After all, "life and death are in the power of the tongue". (Proverbs 18:21)

 

The Bible often uses the phrase "the fruit of our lips/mouth" in speaking of the consequences of our speech. As you know, fruit can be good or bad. Fruit left unattended rots. Fruit that is cared for is enjoyed. As such, we must take great care in our speech. With our mouths we bless or curse. It is by the "fruit of our lips" that abundant living is obtained and enjoyed.

 

Your words matter! Your words help determine the level of abundance you enjoy. Think of it. When has a "good word" you spoke hurt you? When has worship from your mouth brought you pain? It doesn't! In fact, our words are the fruit produced from the field of our heart. From this field come forth ripe and beautiful fruit, leading to abundance for us and others, or rotten fruit that results in lack and disgust.

 

Fruit is designed to bless and the fruit of your lips is the same. You were designed by God to bless others with your lips. I am designed by God to bless you with my lips. We are all designed to bless God with our lips. When we use the tools the Maser has provided correctly we walk in abundant life. When we misuse the tools provided we walk in lack and are empty.

 

Friend, the way to abundant life is not the stock market or presents under the tree. The way to abundant life is blessing others with the fruit of your lips. This does not simply mean walking around saying "God bless you". No, it is more than that. It is saying nice things to people, complimenting someone, catching someone being good, telling someone you see the Lord in or through them, encouraging someone, or simply saying, "I love you".  Blessing others is easy but neglected because it is so easy.

 

Take time this crazy and busy Christmas season to slow down and bless others with the fruit of your lips. The promises of God tell us that you will be satisfied from the "fruit of your mouth". You walk in abundant life when you speak abundant blessings.

 

Bless God ...Bless others ... and you will be blessed!

 

For King and Kingdom,