Our words have the power to encourage, heal and strengthen, but they can also leave lasting wounds.

In this week’s devotional, Chaplain Shelby reflects on the importance of choosing our words carefully, managing our emotions with wisdom and allowing God to shape the way we respond to others. It is a reminder that true strength is found not in reacting quickly but in speaking with grace, humility and self-control.

“The Power of the Tongue” 

Most of us can think of a time when our words have hurt someone we care about. In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to justify our reactions by saying things like, “That’s just how I am,” or “You know how I get when I’m upset.” But our words and our tone have consequences. They can leave lasting wounds and damage relationships, especially when we fail to acknowledge the hurt caused or ask for forgiveness. As a husband and father, I have learned that my words, especially my tone, can hurt relationships.

Proverbs 18:21 reads, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” This means that your words carry immense weight. They can build people up or tear them down. They can bring a team together or cause distrust and a lack of commitment. The tongue has the power to heal and hurt. Your everyday speech is either a lifeline or a weapon. Uplifting and encouraging words can comfort someone, mend relationships and build inspired and productive teams. Conversely, careless, critical or reckless comments can cause emotional damage, break trust, and even negatively impact mental health.

Emotions are a beautiful gift from God. They are raw, real and powerful. But like any gift, they need wisdom to guide them. Proverbs 29:11 reads, “A fool expresses all his emotions, but a wise person controls them.” We’ve all had those moments; a sharp word spoken in frustration, a reaction driven by hurt, or a response we wish we could take back. Proverbs 29:11 reminds us that it’s not about suppressing our emotions but learning to steward them well.

Think of emotions like a fire. When tended wisely, they provide warmth, light and connection. But left unchecked, they can burn and destroy. God isn’t asking us to snuff out the fire of our feelings. He’s inviting us to bring them to Him first. In His hands, anger can become understanding and hurt can be transformed into healing. Every pause to pray opens the door for His grace to work in us.

So today, let’s lean into God’s love and wisdom. True strength isn’t hiding what we feel but in letting His Spirit shape how we respond.

Ask yourself:

What emotions have I struggled to handle in an uplifting and positive way?

Let’s Pray:

Lord, I am grateful for the gift of emotions that help me navigate life. Some days, stewarding those gifts feels overwhelming like trying to manage a fire that’s gotten out of control. But Lord, I am grateful that I can bring those emotions, frustrations, hurts and my joys to You and that You will help me manage them.

When I am tempted to react too quickly, remind me to pause and seek Your wisdom. Guide my words with Your truth, shape my responses with Your grace and let every emotion reflect Your perfect love. Lord, let my words heal and not hurt.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

From the Heart,
Chaplain Shelby