Words of Life.

Subtitle: Gentle speech cultivates our hearts and unites us in His delightful presence.

Bible Verse

Proverbs 15:4 (NIV)

“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”

Devotional Reflection

We all know what it’s like to feel heavy—exhausted by noise, criticism, or silence that wounds more than words. In a world starving for kindness, your voice can be a shelter.

Proverbs 15:4 says “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” That’s not just poetry—it’s a wake-up call. Our words build or break. They heal or harm. They echo far beyond the moment.

To the weary heart, a gentle word can feel like rain after drought. And even if someone doesn’t share our faith, the power of kindness is undeniable—it’s something the soul recognizes as sacred, even if they don’t know why.

Jesus spoke with authority, but He loved with gentleness. His presence didn’t bulldoze hearts—it invited them. And today, we’re invited to do the same: to speak life, to restore dignity, to reflect the kind of love that makes skeptics lean in and ask, “Where does that come from?”

💬 This July, as Flint Family Ministries embraces “United in His Delightful Presence,” remember—your words are bridges. They carry hope, healing, and heaven’s tone. Speak like someone’s soul depends on it… because sometimes, it truly does.

Application

1.⁠ ⁠Heart Check – Before you speak today, pause and ask, “Will this build up or tear down?”

2.⁠ ⁠Tree of Life Challenge – Send one genuine encouragement (text, DM, or voice note) to someone who needs it.

3.⁠ ⁠Reflect & Journal – Record a moment when someone’s kind words felt like shade under a tree. How did it impact you?

4.⁠ ⁠Speak Scripture – Choose a single verse that brings comfort (e.g., Psalm 34:18) and share it in conversation.

5.⁠ ⁠Community Practice – Gather with a friend or small group to speak aloud one truth you see in each other.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the power of our words. Teach me to speak life—soothing words that reflect Your kindness and draw others into Your presence. Forgive me for the times my tongue has wounded instead of healed. Fill my heart with Your grace so that my speech plants seeds of hope and unity. May every conversation today echo the melody of Your delight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.