Proverbs 18:21, New International Version

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

There is power in unspoken words. We often hear the scripture that there is the  power of life and death in the tongue. This is so true! But can you imagine the power behind unspoken words? If we never said, “I am sorry,” or “I forgive you,” or “I love you.” If these words went unsaid, it could cause so much turmoil inside of a person.  It could cause bitterness, resentment, anger, and a cycle of negativity circling in the mind.  

Jesus, throughout His time on the earth, had compassion on the people. He saw them as sheep being led to the slaughter with no shepherd. And so, He was that Shepherd. He called us by His loving kindness to repentance—to salvation. He taught us to love, to forgive, to have compassion, to work things out with our brothers and sisters.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV): “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

Jesus also said, “… ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39, NIV)

It is not always easy to forgive someone. Sometimes you may think that something doesn’t even bother you. But after a while, you start to get triggered because of something someone has said or done. Forgiveness needs to take place so that healing can begin, not for the person that you are forgiving, but for yourself. When you walk through this forgiveness, you are loving God and loving people. You are obeying His command. You are putting Him first, seeking Him first.

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

(Proverbs 18:21, NIV)

Instead of giving power to unspoken words, let us give power to spoken words. Though it can be scary or challenging to move forward to do the right thing, let us do what is right. Let us go to our brother and work out what is between us. Let us forgive. Let us love. For love covers a multitude of sins. Open your heart to Him, trust Him, and let the healing begin.