By Keith Gifford
  
In my previous article, I wrote about the keys of the Kingdom and one of those keys being the fruit of our lips. Remember keys represent authority. Keeping in mind the importance of our words, let’s see what Jesus had to say about it.
 
In Matthew chapter 12:36-37 “I tell you the truth that for every careless word that people speak they will give an account of it on the Day of judgment for by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned.” Jesus is the head of the church. Would He say that if it wasn’t important to Him and us? No He wouldn’t, so it is important that we are careful with our words, not careless.
 
Hebrews chapter 3:1 says “Therefore, holy brothers (and sisters) partakers of the heavenly calling. Consider the apostle and high priest of our confession Christ Jesus!” This verse should make us think about our confessions and conversations. Does what I say give Jesus something to work with? Romans 8:34 says “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”
 
God created everything out of nothing and spoke it into existence. We are made in His image. He wants us to be creative even with our words. Sounds to me like Jesus stands locked and loaded, ready to back up what we say if we give Him something to work with. There are plenty of scriptures that talk about the tongue.
 
In tense situations we can apply Proverbs 15:1. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Ephesians 4:29 says “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (ESV).

Proverbs 18:20-21 “A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; From the produce of his lips he shall be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”
 
We need to speak the heart of God onto our lives and our loved ones. We need to speak the heart of God into our sphere of influence. Being constantly immersed in Scripture will help us know what the heart of God is. We can do this. We can speak life! We can speak God’s word and His heart on our situations and the world will be a better place for it.