“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:37-38
Some Pharisees had just finished accusing Jesus of doing miracles by the power of Beelzebul. Now Jesus is telling them that some day they will have to give an account for every empty word.
What is an “empty word”? These are words that are meaningless or of no value. These are words that are not speaking the truth or being spoken in true love.
Often you will hear a person make a quick statement that he wishes his boss would die or get fired. Or that something bad would happen to a neighbor or enemy. Other times you will hear a person state in the heat of a moment they hate a family member. Or they call someone a stupid fool. These are empty words.
In America, a very common way of telling someone not to speak empty words is that all your words must be politically correct. Your words should not harm anyone else in any way possible.
Although this is looking through the eyes of the world, (which will condone sin), there is some truth in their belief. As a Christian you should be politically correct with God’s Words at all times, with everyone.
Your words should be the same as Jesus. You should be lifting others up. Showing true love. Your words should be bringing them to know Jesus.
Jesus stated that by your words you are acquitted, that is released from condemnation. It takes your words of repentance and acceptance of Jesus to be saved.
It is also your empty words that will bring you condemnation in the end. Just like in the internet world today, everything is recorded that you speak online. Many public people get condemned for something that they stated 15 years ago online or in public. They may have changed since then, but no one cares, the words were said.
God is recording every word you speak. What are you speaking today? What are your words saying? Are they words that God would speak? Or are they words of the devil? Someday God will have you answer for every word you speak. Think before you speak. Be led by God’s Spirit in what to say.
I pray today that God will fill you with His Holy Spirit; that God will give you the words to speak; that God will make you aware of what you are saying; that you will use your words to draw people to God, not push them away; and that God will use you to build His kingdom today.