-Devotion by Cayce Fletcher
We have probably all experienced quick jabs that left a lasting mark. Growing up, many of my friends viewed this kind of trait as something worth having. You need to be quick on your feet and thick-skinned. The person who can make the remark that makes others laugh the most (at someone else’s expense) is the one who gets the most ‘brownie points.’
I’ve realized that this is a foolish way to live. I’ve been on the receiving end of those comments that have ultimately ended relationships because of how hurtful they were.
Words have power.
I keep coming back to this idea over and over. Through the Word of God, the world was created. The Word is what we call his message to His people. Through the reading of His Word, we believe that real, lasting change can happen in our hearts. Jesus is the embodied Word.
Our words cannot create the cosmos, but they still have power.
Jeremiah speaks of the power of words in our passage today. In Jeremiah 9:3, it says, “They make ready their tongue like a bow, to shoot lies.” Later on, it says, “Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning” (Jer. 9:5).
One of the central sins was a sin of deception. Because they had exchanged the ultimate Truth of God for a lie, every one of their interactions became characterized by lies.
Jeremiah 9:6 says, “‘You live in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to acknowledge me,’ declares the Lord.”
The way that we interact with others shows the importance that we place on our relationship with God. If our interactions are characterized by deception, lying, and deceit, what does that show us?
Proverbs speaks of this. Proverbs 26:18–19 says, “Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, ‘I was only joking!’”
If our speech with others is not rooted in truth, we become like this maniac. We are spreading death around without care of who gets shot.
What should our speech look like in contrast?
Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”
We should be gracious—but this does not mean that we just allow sin and deception to reign. Instead, our speech should also be seasoned with salt (reminiscent of Matthew 5). This salt is truth.
May all our words point people back to the Word of Life: Jesus!
Cayce Fletcher is a wife and mom of three. In addition to homeschooling and other ministry projects, she writes and podcasts at amorebeautifullifecollective.com about faith, motherhood, and theology.
Reflection Questions
- What does deception in speech look like? Where do you see people spreading deception?
- Have you ever experienced someone who spread deception? What was the outcome?
- How can you be more intentional about speaking with grace and truth in your interactions?
Prayer
Dear Lord, you are the source of all truth. May our lives reflect your truth. May we reject deceptions and seek to glorify you in all our interactions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
