“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV)
Have you ever been around someone whose words made you stop and think, not because they were loud or eloquent, but because their words carried peace? Maybe it was the way they encouraged a struggling friend or spoke calmly when everyone else was angry. There is something about godly words; they linger, they lift, and they lead people closer to Christ.
Paul knew this when he wrote to Timothy, a young leader finding his footing in ministry. His instruction was not just for preachers; it was for every believer: “Be an example… in word.” (1 Timothy 4:12). In other words, let your speech reflect your faith.
Our words are one of the clearest mirrors of our hearts. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45). What we say, how we say it, and when we say it all reveal what is inside. This is why it matters that our speech aligns with the nature of Christ in us.
Being an example in words does not mean you must always have the perfect thing to say; it means your words consistently carry grace, truth, and love. Whether you are correcting, comforting, joking, or teaching, let your words be seasoned with wisdom (Colossians 4:6).
When you speak, do your words build people up or tear them down? Do they strengthen faith or spread doubt? As believers, we’re called to say words that give life because our words are not ordinary. They are channels of God’s power (Proverbs 18:21).
Think of Jesus. He never wasted words. Whether He said, “Peace, be still” to the storm or “Your sins are forgiven” to the broken, His words carried healing, truth, and authority. That same Spirit lives in you.
So today, dear believer, remember this: your words are a ministry. They can sow peace in chaos, faith in fear, and love in despair. Be intentional with them. Be gentle, be bold, be kind. Let your words sound like Jesus’.
Bible Reading Plan: Jeremiah 36–37; Hebrews 13:1–14