Speaking the Very Words of God

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. 1 Peter 4:11

God speaks through people. That’s one of the recurring themes of the scriptures. God speaks through children and prophets, through pagan kings and simple fishermen, through desperate mothers and doubting fathers. We’ve held on to their words for millennia because God has spoke through them so often to us.

So do you think God might speak through you? Be careful of either an easy “yes” - look out for pride!. And be careful of an easy “no” - look out for not trusting God enough or devaluing yourself.

The scripture suggests that as you speak, to let God speak through you. Perhaps this command just for preachers and teachers, but that seems contrary to the whole thrust of the Bible. What if it’s for grandparents and plumbers and cubicle dwellers and high school students? Maybe it’s time to pay a bit more attention to the kinds of things we say. Not that they all need to be quotes from the Bible or certain religious phrases - but perhaps even when we check out at Target we could speak words to the cashier that are honoring, that are honest, that bless and encourage. Certainly there’s plenty of room for that in our friendships, our homes, and our workplaces.

Ask God to give you the grace to speak ‘the very words of God’ today. And then ask God to listen in well to others as they may be speaking those same words to you.