Life Lessons, Pt. 8: Speak Life!

How many of us have heard about the effects of speaking life over our plants? Some gardeners swear by it. Many have studied this, and it does seem to have an impact. I will leave you to research those for yourself. But is there a Biblical basis for speaking life? The answer is an emphatic "YES!" Proverbs 18:21 states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those that love it will eat its fruit."

For my birthday this year, my sister gave me a travel mug that says, "Crazy Plant Lady." Every morning and evening, when I water my plants, I speak life over them. I declare the purpose of God for their existence: to bear much fruit. But it's not just plants that we make declarations over. I do the same over our family: Walter, myself, Ezekiel, Joshua, Gary, and Samuel, and then add extended family members and people the Lord brings to my mind. I speak fruitfulness and purpose.

What we speak reflects what's in our hearts. Jesus makes this clear in Luke 6:43-45 when He states,

"For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

Our spoken words mirror what we are already thinking. That's it can be dangerous when people are derogatory towards themselves or others. There is no "Just kidding." If you say it, you've thought it and dwelt on it.

Life and fruitfulness have always been God's plan for us. The confession of our mouths needs to reflect that plan. What do you believe for your family, your nation, the world, and yourself? What are your expectations? This is much more than the theory of positive confession. It is life and death, and you control the tongue that holds power.

Let's Pray:

Father, I choose life! I choose this day to agree with Your plans and purposes in my life and the lives of others. Forgive me for the times I've spoken death to situations and circumstances surrounding my family. I want the fruit of my lips to bring glory to You. Holy Spirit, help me put a watch over my mouth that I will only bring encouragement and life to myself and others, especially when my emotions tell me otherwise. In Jesus' Name, amen.