Biblical Answer

Can our words bring new life to our relationships?

The Bible teaches us that our words have the power to bring life or death to our relationships. In Proverbs 25:1, 27:7, and 28:3, we are warned against speaking deceptively and instead encouraged to speak in a way that builds up and brings life. This is in line with the idea that our words can be a source of either life or death (Proverbs 18:21). When we speak in a way that is positive, uplifting, and supportive, we can bring new life to our relationships. On the other hand, when we speak in a way that is negative, critical, or hurtful, we can cause harm and even destroy relationships.

As we seek to build up and bring life to our relationships, we must be mindful of the way we communicate. This requires a willingness to listen, to understand, and to be open to the other person's perspective. As the Bible teaches, "love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs" (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). When we speak in a way that is loving and kind, we can bring new life to our relationships and help them to grow and flourish.

In addition to speaking in a way that is positive and uplifting, we must also be intentional about listening to and understanding our partner. This requires a willingness to set aside our own ego and biases and to see things from the other person's perspective. As the Bible teaches, "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3). When we speak in a way that is humble and considerate, we can bring new life to our relationships and help them to grow and flourish. By choosing to speak in a way that is life-giving and supportive, we can build up and strengthen our relationships, and help them to become the source of joy, love, and fulfillment that God intends them to be.