John: Putting Belief Into PracticeSample

When was the last time you thought about “eating your words”? That phrase is usually a threat, spat at an enemy or opponent who said something to humiliate you. “I’ll show you! You’re going to eat those words!”

The idea that we eat our words is in the Bible too. It’s not a threat in the Bible, though. Eating your words is included among the wisdom collection in the Book of Proverbs. Proverbs 18:20 says, “From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled.” Those who use their tongue to say life-giving words “will eat its fruit” (v. 21). “You’re going to eat those words!” is no longer just a salty, schoolyard rebuttal. It’s an explanation of a spiritual reality. Words are powerful. What we say can determine if we spread life or death in the world.

John 1:1 says of Jesus, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Anyone who has ever been hurt by someone else’s words knows about their death-spreading power. But God didn’t speak death over us. In fact, the Word of God is described as “life” and “the light of all mankind” (vs. 4). All of God’s wisdom, love, mercy, justice, and every other attribute is “heard” in Jesus, the Word of God.

God was well aware of the spiritual reality of eating one’s words, and so God sent Jesus. Let his life be your light. Let his light into your dark places. “Hear” again the love of God for you, expressed through Jesus, and rejoice.

Reflection

Open the book of John and read a short passage about Jesus. What from this passage is life-giving to you?

Think over the various conversations you’ve had during the last week. What did you say that brought life to another person? What did you say that brought death?

Words used in self-talk are just as powerful as words said to others. What are the words you say about yourself?

Prayer

You will have opportunities to speak life or death to your family, co-workers, neighbors, and yourself today. Take a minute to pray about the words you’ll say.