Words That Build
Have you ever been a representative for someone or something? When you belong to a group of people, or you represent someone, what you say and how you say it matters. Anything you say is a reflection of the person or thing you’re representing.
As Christians, we are representatives for Jesus. Paul says that we are ambassadors or representatives of Christ because He is no longer physically on earth ministering to people (2 Corinthians 5:20). Instead Jesus is working through His people to accomplish what He wants done on earth.
Since everything we say and do is a representation of Jesus, we need to choose our words wisely. When we use words to gossip and slander, hurt or damage—we don’t represent Jesus’ heart and character. But when our words are used to encourage someone, what we say has a lot of potential for good.
You’re probably familiar with the power words can have. Has someone ever said something to you that was painful? Or can you remember the last time someone complimented you? You might still remember how each of those situations made you feel.
You might not have been able to control what was said to you, but you can control what you say to others. So take a few moments to think about the things you’ve said recently. Is there anything you’ve said that you need to seek forgiveness for? Choose today to represent Christ and His character by intentionally speaking words that are good and helpful.
Grace and Truth in Jesus
For centuries, the nation of Israel awaited the coming Messiah who would bring the Kingdom of God and make things right in the world. Despite pain, persecution, and setbacks, they persevered because their hope was grounded in the promises of God.
Israel’s wait was finally over when the Messiah, Jesus, arrived. However, Jesus did not come as many expected—in a grand procession or with a large army behind Him. Instead, He arrived quietly in the stillness of the night, as a baby, in a little town called Bethlehem.
But in a surprise twist, this newborn was not only the Messiah who would free God’s people from their sins, but God Himself. John tells us that “the Word was God” (John 1:1). The Word exists eternally, but for a time took on human form and lived among people.
Jesus began His earthly ministry in the most humble way—by coming as a baby. But it’s through the person of Jesus that we see the glory of God. Paul says in Colossians, “For in Christ all ...