This Changes Your Words 

By Isabelle Reardon

Because of the gospel of Jesus Christ, because He created all things and rescued us from ourselves, through His death, burial and resurrection, those who are saved have a new identity. With a new identity comes new motives, and with new motives come new words that flow out of this gospel transformed life.

Romans 12 encourages the believer to present their body, which includes our mouths and the words which flow out of it, as “a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (verse 1). So what does this look like? First, it’s so important that we remind ourselves, we cannot speak and live as living sacrifices by our own power. 

So, this looks like asking the Spirit of God to fill us and make “the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts, pleasing to the Lord,” every step of every day, (Psalm 19:14). Because, if you’re anything like me, you find yourself putting your foot in your mouth more than you’d like. So obviously, we need help beyond ourselves. I also believe this looks like “being slow to speak and quick to listen,” because our words are no longer serving our own agenda, but rather they’re a means for service and worship unto our Savior, (James 1:19). Every single human being was made for God, we were made to be with Him, and point people to Him, and because of the gospel we’re able to return to our original design as “living sacrifices.” 

So, if the gospel has really changed us, every part of us, including our words, won’t we be more prone to give glory to the One who’s saved us, and shouldn’t we reflect the loving kindness of the truth of His gospel, to everyone around us?

Jesus, we want to look like You, we want to sound like You, we want to worship and honor You. Help us, Holy Spirit!