Powerful Words

Bible Reading: James 3: 3 - 13
Author: Moises Abdon Coppe (Minas Gerais, Brazil)
Friday 25 September 2026 © The Upper Room.
Words are powerful. When I was a child, I was never chosen to play in the school sports teams and I suffered from the hurtful words others said to me. Although I tried to strengthen myself in the face of their bullying, still their words affected me deeply. Over time, I became angry, quiet and withdrawn.

This experience made me consider carefully how I use my words. If I do not have something good to say to others, I try to refrain from  saying anything. Better still, I can find words that encourage and build up others. But at times, even with our best intentions, people are hurt by our words – sometimes without our even knowing it.

So, our words must have their foundation in love. The Bible verse quoted above is a good reminder. Pleasant words can bring encouragement to the soul, and even healing to the body. All that we say should be motivated by good will and a desire to love the other person.
 
Prayer: O Lord, grant us gracious words to bless the people around us. Amen
 
Next day’s devotion
Hide the testimonials
I am so thrilled and excited about the BSL version of Deaf Missions Daily Devotions. I have their booklet and been using them for nearly a year. I have good command of English but still struggle with the concept of the context at times. What a difference it has made just watching someone signing the passage so clearly and of superior quality! I notice the USA are far more advanced with access to the Gospel in ASL but now you have made it possible for us. So many thanks for this! May it go from strength to strength. JJ