Being A Woman Of The WordSample

The Fruit of Our Lips

My words are my own: my thoughts, my reflections, my opinions, my plans—at least, that’s what I believe. But what rolls off my tongue is—more often than not—the product of my desire for applause. I would rather entertain than encourage. I would rather get laughs than spread knowledge. And I’m often willing to sacrifice purity of speech on the altar of attention. 

The fruit of our lips is really the fruit of our hearts, for it is out of the overflow of our hearts that our mouths speak (Luke 6:45). Choosing to encourage, to build up, and to praise the name of God is indeed a sacrifice; it is a sacrifice of our personality, our interests, and the applause we so crave. It may mean stopping that sarcastic comment or saying “No” to that crude joke, choosing instead to thank God for how He has changed our lives and given us a chance to walk in holiness. Because that’s exactly what He has done—and our words should testify to it. 

If our hearts are daily exposed to Jesus Christ, we don’t have to force godly words onto our tongues. They will spring naturally to our minds and lips, overflowing from the adoration of our hearts.  

How can your words testify to God’s love today?