Why is it important to know "what you say about yourself"? The Weight of Your Words “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21) Identity Shaped by Speech • Words do not hover in thin air; they plant seeds in the heart—your own first. • Repeated statements about yourself settle into the mind, building either confidence in God’s design or doubt about it (James 3:4–6). • God consistently speaks identity over His people (“You are My treasured possession,” Deuteronomy 7:6); He calls you to echo that truth, not undermine it. Spiritual Agreement • Saying about yourself what God says places you in agreement with Him (Amos 3:3). • “Since we have the same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak.” (2 Corinthians 4:13) – Believe → speak → live it out. • Israel’s wilderness generation “murmured” and received exactly what they declared (Numbers 14:28). The principle still stands. Life-Giving Self-Talk What Scripture affirms you may confidently affirm: • “I am a new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) • “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) • “In all these things we are more than conquerors.” (Romans 8:37) Speaking these truths aloud: 1. Aligns emotions with reality (Psalm 42:5). 2. Renews the mind (Romans 12:2). 3. Guards against the enemy’s accusations (Revelation 12:10–11). Guardrails for the Tongue • Let no corrupt word proceed, “but only what is helpful for building up, that it may give grace to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29) • Include yourself among those “hearers.” If your language tears you down, it violates this command. • Jesus warns that idle words will be accounted for (Matthew 12:36–37). Thoughtless self-condemnation is not harmless. Practical Steps 1. Identify common phrases you use about yourself—write them down. 2. Measure each against Scripture: does it match God’s verdict or contradict it? 3. Replace lies with truth; speak the replacement daily (Psalm 19:14). 4. Surround yourself with believers who reinforce biblical speech patterns (Hebrews 10:24–25). Fruit That Follows • Positive confession rooted in truth produces perseverance, peace, and purposeful action. • Negative confession breeds paralysis, fear, and spiritual barrenness. • “Those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21)—the harvest reflects the seed. Knowing what you say about yourself matters because God designed words to carry creative power, align you with His purposes, and shape the very life you live. Guard them, and let them agree with Him. |
    |