Sermon: “The Stewardship of Our Words: From Heart to Mouth”
September 29, 2024
Pastora Veronica Alvarez
Faith Lutheran Church/Iglesia Luterana la Fe
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23; James 3:1-12; Proverbs 18:20-21
Throughout this series on stewardship, we have reflected on five fundamental areas of our lives as followers of Christ: our relationship with God, our relationship with others, our relationship with creation, how we steward our gifts and talents, and finally how we steward our words. It all begins with our connection to God. He calls us to prioritize this relationship, because when we seek His will first, it influences every area of our lives. Our relationship with others should reflect the grace we have received. Likewise, stewardship of creation challenges us to be careful and responsible with the world God has given us so that future generations may also enjoy it. We also saw that we are called to use our gifts and talents for His glory, working together as one body in Christ. Today we come to the last topic: how we steward our words.
The words we use have a great impact, not only on those around us, but also on ourselves. The Bible teaches us that our words are a reflection of what is in our heart. Today, let's reflect on how we can manage our words in a way that glorifies God and builds relationships of love and respect.
In Mark 7, Jesus responds to the Pharisees who criticized him because his disciples did not follow the traditions of hand washing. Jesus, instead, directs attention to the real problem: it is not what goes into our body that defiles us, but what comes out of it. He says: “What comes out of a man defiles a man, for from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts” (Mark 7:21). Here Jesus shows us that our words are not just empty sounds, but expressions of what we carry inside. Therefore, what we say reveals the true intentions and attitudes of our heart.
So where do words that hurt, criticize or judge come from? From the heart!. That is why God's transformation of us is crucial. In baptism, God purifies and transforms us. He gives us a new heart. As Ezekiel 36:26 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.” Every time we remember our baptism, we remember that we are made new and called to reflect that new life, not only in what we do, but also in what we say. Therefore, it is vital to examine what we allow to dwell within us, because that will shape our words.
What happens when we do not take care of what is inside? The apostle James compares the tongue to a small fire that can set a large forest on fire (James 3:5). Despite its small size, the tongue has the power to edify or destroy. A word can give encouragement and hope, or cause deep wounds. James also warns us that “with it we bless God and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God” (James 3:9). This warning leads us to reflect: if we bless God, how is it that we use the same tongue to hurt others? If our words are a reflection of what is in our hearts, then we must ask God to purify our inner selves so that our words reflect His love.
Let us think about our daily relationships. When a misunderstanding occurs in the family or with friends, or when someone criticizes or misunderstands us, what is our first reaction? Do we give in to the impulse of the moment, responding with anger and hurtful words? Or do we take a moment to take a deep breath, remember who we are in Christ, and seek a gentle and respectful response?
How we respond in those moments reflects whether we are allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our tongue or whether we are acting on our emotions. As Jesus says, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). If what is in our heart is peace, our words will tend to reflect that. But if it is filled with anger and frustration, our responses will show that as well. That is why real change begins in our heart.
I recognize that many times I have failed with my words (and my actions as well). In moments of frustration or stress, without realizing it, my tone of voice rises and I can hurt those around me, even if that is not my intention. Then, at the end of the day, when I reflect and realize the damage my words and attitudes have caused, it weighs on me deeply and my conscience will not let me rest until I ask for forgiveness or try to make amends. These experiences have taught me the importance of humility, of recognizing my mistakes, and letting the Holy Spirit transform not only my words, but also my heart. Because when we face our own failures and seek God's grace, He not only restores us, but calls us to live more compassionately and reflect His love in every moment.
This reflection is not just about recognizing our shortcomings but also embracing the responsibility we have in how we use our words. The book of Proverbs reminds us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Every word we speak can sow life or death in the people around us. This proverb shows us that words are not neutral. Just as a kind word can transform someone's day, a destructive word can have lasting effects on a person's heart.
How then can we be good stewards of our words? Here are some practices that can help us:
1. pray for God to examine our heart: since our words are a reflection of what is inside us, we can ask God to remove any roots of bitterness, anger or resentment and fill our heart with His love and patience.
2. Stop before we speak impulsively: James 1:19 reminds us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Before responding, let's take a moment to think about whether our words will edify or destroy. We can pray, “Lord, give me a heart full of your peace and love” before responding.
3. Apologize when we fail: We all fail at some point with our words. Perhaps we have said something that hurt someone. Instead of ignoring or justifying our words, it is important to be humble and ask for forgiveness. In doing so, we not only heal our relationships, but we also bear witness to God's grace and forgiveness in our lives.
And this is where so many of us fail because sometimes we say things that hurt or offend and we don't even realize we did it, we need to be self-aware to recognize the effect of our words. and when we realize we said something hurtful, instead of ignoring it, we can come forward and say, “I'm so sorry for what I said. It wasn't fair and I hope you can forgive me.” This act of humility can restore relationships and bring healing.
In addition, we must remember that, even if we fail with our words and deeds, Jesus is always willing to forgive us. He invites us to approach Him with humility and sincerity, confessing our failings and receiving His grace. And he offers us a place at his table, where his love and forgiveness restore us. The Lord's Supper is a reminder that we are welcome, not because we are perfect, but because of the grace of Christ, who calls us to participate in and renew our relationships with God and others, living with words that reflect his truth and love.
Dear brothers and sisters, our words are a gift from God. They have immense power to edify or destroy, and they are a reflection of what is in our hearts. As Christians, we are called to steward our words in such a way that they glorify God and reflect the transforming work He has done in us. Being good stewards of our words is not just about controlling our tongue; it is about opening our heart to God to transform it and fill it with His presence. In this way, our words will be instruments of life and not of destruction.
As we conclude our series on stewardship let us remember that every area of life is connected. It all begins with our relationship with God, which shapes the way we relate to others, care for creation, use our gifts and, finally, the way we speak. If our relationship with God is strong and based on His love and grace, it will be reflected in how we care for our relationships, our environment, our talents, and in every word we utter.
If we allow God to fill every aspect of our being, our words will reflect His truth. In this sense, stewardship is not just about what we do, but who we are in Christ. May every word, action and decision in our lives aim to reflect the love and grace of our Lord, so that everything we do and say glorifies God.
Let us pray: Beloved Lord, you who have given us a new heart in baptism and nourish us with your presence in communion, we ask that you transform our words. May everything that comes out of our mouths edify, comfort and reflect your love. Give us a spirit of humility and grace, that every word we utter may be a seed of life and hope. Help us to be instruments of your peace, proclaiming by our words and actions the goodness of your Kingdom. In the name of Christ Jesus, who is the Word of life. Amen.
