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THE POWER OF WORDS — Article 3: Words That Shape Families and Generations

Articles, Inspiration September 19, 2026 Leave a comment

Key Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NKJV)

“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

There are words we hear as children that we can still remember decades later. Some made us feel loved, capable, and secure. Others left wounds that may have taken years to heal. Home is our first school of communication, and the voices of those who love us have an extraordinary influence on how we begin to understand who we are.

That is why the Bible places such great importance on the words spoken within the family. God instructed His people to speak of His truth with their children throughout everyday life: while sitting at home, walking along the way, lying down, and getting up. The purpose was not merely to pass on religious information, but to raise a generation that would know God, remember His works, and learn to live according to His truth.

Words That Affirm Identity

Children need correction, boundaries, and discipline. But they also need to hear words that communicate love, acceptance, and purpose.

“I love you.” “I thank God for your life.” “You can learn from this mistake.” “God has given you gifts and abilities.” “I’m proud of the effort you’ve made.” “I’m here for you.”

These expressions may seem simple, but when spoken consistently over the years, they help create an environment in which children know that their worth does not disappear when they make mistakes.

This does not mean feeding an inflated ego or telling our children that everything they do is right. Biblical blessing is not flattery. Love also involves correction. But there is an enormous difference between correcting a behavior and attacking a child’s identity:

“What you did was wrong” is not the same as “You are a failure.”

One statement addresses an action; the other can become a label a child carries for years.

Developmental science also underscores the importance of these interactions. Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child explains that responsive, attentive relationships—characterized by back-and-forth exchanges between a child and a caring adult—help build important brain connections associated with language, social skills, and emotional well-being. Even before children can speak, naming what they see, do, or feel helps establish connections related to language development.

Blessing a Child Before Birth

Our responsibility to love and affirm a child’s life can begin even before birth.

A mother might place her hands on her belly and say, “My child, you are loved. I thank God for your life. I pray that you will come to know the Lord and fulfill the purposes He has for you.”

This is not about attributing magical power to our words or believing that we can determine a child’s future through our declarations. Power and sovereignty belong to God. Rather, it is about recognizing from the very beginning that this life has value because it was created and is known by Him.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” — Jeremiah 1:5 (NASB)

“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.” — Psalm 139:13 (NASB)

What a powerful foundation for a family! Before a child can demonstrate any ability, achieve anything, or even speak a single word, that child’s life is already known by God. Their worth does not begin with what they do, but with the One who gave them life.

What Legacy Will Our Words Leave?

Children grow up. One day, they leave home. But many of the words spoken around the dinner table, in the car, at bedtime, or during a crisis stay with them.

That is why it is worth asking ourselves: What voice are we leaving in the hearts of the next generation?

Perhaps some of us grew up without hearing words of affirmation. Maybe we still carry memories of criticism, comparisons, or remarks that made us feel inadequate. But our history does not have to repeat itself. In Christ, we can begin a different legacy.

We can be the generation that learns to say, “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” “I believe in you,” “I’m here for you,” and “Let’s pray together.” A generation that corrects without tearing others down, blesses without flattering, and speaks God’s truth about the identity and purpose of those He has entrusted to our care.

The words we speak today can become part of the spiritual and emotional legacy our children carry into tomorrow.

Personal Reflection

Ask yourself today: What are the people closest to me learning about themselves, about others, and about God through my words?

Let us ask the Lord for wisdom so that our homes may be places where truth is spoken with grace, where correction is given without humiliation, and where each generation learns to use its words to bless the next.

And this principle does not end at our doorstep. Words can also build up—or undermine—teams, businesses, and organizations. In our next article, “Words That Transform the Workplace and Leadership,” we will explore how to correct without humiliating, provide constructive feedback, and foster organizational cultures grounded in respect and trust.

Until next time!

Sources:

1. Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University. “Serve and Return: Back-and-Forth Exchanges.”
https://developingchild.harvard.edu/key-concept/serve-and-return/

2. Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University. “5 Steps for Brain-Building Serve and Return.”
https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/briefs/5-steps-for-brain-building-serve-and-return/

THE POWER OF WORDS —

Articles, Inspiration August 8, 2026 Leave a comment

Article 2: Words That Build Relationships

Key Scripture: Ephesians 4:29 (NASB)
“Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”

The most meaningful relationships in our lives are not built only through major decisions, but through the words we speak every day. A kind greeting, a sincere expression of gratitude, genuine encouragement, or a thoughtful compliment can strengthen family, a friendship, or a work team. In the same way, unfair criticism, a harsh response, or careless words can gradually weaken trust and closeness.

Apostle Paul reminds us that our words should build others up and impart grace to those who hear them. This means far more than simply avoiding offensive language. It means speaking in ways that promote growth, hope, and encouragement. Before we speak, we should ask ourselves: Will these words truly help the person who is listening?

Sincere appreciation and expressed gratitude are two of the simplest yet most powerful ways to strengthen relationships. When we recognize the efforts, faithfulness, or character of others, we communicate that they are valued. Likewise, learning to listen carefully demonstrates respect, genuine interest, and love. Active listening is not merely remaining silent; it is seeking first to understand before responding.

Contemporary research supports these biblical principles. A study conducted by Gallup and Workhuman found that authentic recognition strengthens relationships, increases engagement, and contributes to greater trust and collaboration in the workplace. Likewise, Harvard Business Review highlights active listening as one of the most essential skills for building healthy relationships and resolving conflicts effectively.

Most of us can remember words that changed our lives. Perhaps a teacher believed in us, a parent encouraged us during a difficult season, a friend offered hope when we needed it most, or someone shared God’s truth at just the right moment. Sadly, many of us also remember words that wounded us deeply. This reminds us that words are never neutral. God can use an ordinary conversation to restore a relationship, renew someone’s hope, or strengthen another person’s faith. Every conversation is an opportunity to communicate Christ’s grace and love.

Personal Reflection

Ask yourself today: Do people leave my conversations feeling encouraged and strengthened? May our words increasingly reflect the character of Christ and become instruments of healing, restoration, and encouragement for those God has placed in our lives.

The words that strengthen our relationships also have the power to shape future generations. I invite you to join me in our next article, where we will reflect on how our words can affirm identity, communicate love, blessing, and purpose within the family—from early childhood and even from the womb.

See you next time!

References

  1. Gallup & Workhuman. Employee Retention Depends on Getting Recognition Right (2024).
    https://www.gallup.com/workplace/650174/employee-retention-depends-getting-recognition-right.aspx
  2. Amy Gallo. What Is Active Listening? Harvard Business Review, January 2, 2024.
    https://hbr.org/2024/01/what-is-active-listening

THE POWER OF WORDS

Articles, Inspiration June 27, 2026 Leave a comment

Introduction to the Series

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21, NASB)

Every day, we speak hundreds, perhaps thousands, of words. Some are forgotten almost as soon as they leave our lips; others remain etched in the minds and hearts of those who hear them for years, even for a lifetime. A single word can restore hope to someone standing on the edge of discouragement. A word can strengthen a marriage, restore the relationship between parents and children, reconcile a friendship, inspire a team, or draw a soul closer to God. Yet a word can also wound, humiliate, divide, and destroy. The question is not whether our words have power; the question is what we are doing with that power.

From the very first pages of Scripture, we encounter an extraordinary truth: God created the universe through His Word. “Then God said…” is a phrase repeated throughout Genesis. Light appeared, the heavens were established, and life emerged because God spoke. The Word was the instrument of creation in the hands of the Creator. If we have been made in His image and likeness, should we not carefully reflect on the way we use our own words?

Jesus taught a profoundly convicting truth when He said: “For his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart” (Luke 6:45, NASB). Our words are not accidents or mere sounds. They are windows that reveal the condition of our hearts. What we say about others, about ourselves, about our circumstances, and even about God exposes our beliefs, our wounds, our priorities, and our spiritual condition. To examine our words is, in reality, to examine our hearts.

We live in an age where words travel faster than ever before. Research conducted by psychologist Matthias Mehl and his colleagues found that adults spoke approximately 16,000 words per day in the mid-2000s. More recent studies suggest that this number has declined in recent years; nevertheless, it still represents millions of words spoken over the course of a lifetime. Yet today our words are not heard only by those around us. The Digital 2025 Global Overview Report indicates that there are approximately 5.24 billion active social media user identities worldwide, representing 63.9 percent of the global population. Never before in human history have people possessed such an extraordinary ability to communicate, influence, and be heard. However, technology has not solved the problem of the human heart. Criticism, slander, deception, offense, and verbal aggression continue to inflict deep wounds upon families, organizations, churches, and entire societies. Long before the invention of the internet, the Word of God had already warned us about the power of the tongue. Today, more than ever, the words of Proverbs 18:21 remain true: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

As you read these lines, perhaps certain words from your own story come to mind. You may remember words of encouragement that gave you strength to persevere during difficult seasons. Or perhaps you still carry scars left by unjust, hurtful, or discouraging words spoken years ago. Most of us have experienced both realities. That is precisely why we know that words are never neutral; they always leave a mark. A word of affirmation can propel a person toward the fulfillment of their God-given purpose. A word of contempt can remain with them for decades. What we say matters far more than we often realize.

Over the coming months, we will explore seven biblical principles concerning the power of words. Together, we will reflect on how our speech affects relationships, family, leadership, ministry, conflict resolution, and our witness to the world. More than simply gaining knowledge, our goal will be to allow the Word of God to transform the way we speak so that our words increasingly reflect the character of Christ. True transformation does not begin with the lips; it begins with a heart surrendered to God.

Before continuing, I invite you to pause and ask yourself a simple yet profound question: if the people who know me best were asked to describe the effect of my words on their lives, would they say that my words build up or tear down? Do they encourage or discourage? Do they draw others closer to God or push them away? Do people feel strengthened after speaking with me, or do they carry the weight of words that have wounded their hearts? The answer to these questions may become the starting point for deep transformation, for genuine change begins when we allow God’s light to illuminate those areas of our lives that need to be changed.

May this series be more than just another reading experience. May it become an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts, purify our motives, and transform our conversations. After all, the words we speak today may become the seeds of the reality others live tomorrow. May our words increasingly reflect the grace, truth, compassion, and wisdom of the One who is the Word made flesh, our Lord Jesus Christ.

If words reveal the condition of our hearts, they also have the power to transform our relationships. I invite you to join me in our next article, where we will explore why certain words remain in our memories for a lifetime and how God can use our everyday conversations to heal, restore, and build up those He has placed in our path.

Until next time!

Sources:

Words spoken per day (scientific source):
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11825285/

Social media users worldwide (Digital 2025):
https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2025-global-overview-report

2024 – A Turbulent Year?

Articles January 31, 2024 Leave a comment

Undeniably, there is a dark cloud that extends far and wide across the planet, and although certain governments, authorities, and the general population struggle to confront it and cleanse the planet of this darkness, unfortunately, it seems to become denser and more difficult to eradicate.

The beginning of this 2024 has not been under the best circumstances. It seems that a dark cloud has covered the planet between the close of 2023 and the beginning of 2024.

For instance, it is evident that armed conflicts are happening in various countries around the world, of which perhaps the most widely publicized in international media are two: Russia vs. Ukraine, whose war began in February 2022; and the terrorist attack that Israel experienced since October 2023. Conflicts that show no signs of ending, as resources become scarce and lives are irretrievably lost. Humanly speaking, a solution is not in sight.

russian-and-ukrainian-war-2023-11-27-05-06-51-utcCertainly, Russia vs. Ukraine is just one example of how nation against nation confronts each other, disregarding true sovereign interests and the interests of two peoples who, behind the weapons and attacks, suffer the decisions of opposing governments and conflicting policies.

Of course, the case of Israel is different. Israel has to defend its home from terrorist attacks. After all, who among us would invite a potential terrorist attack on our homes without any opposition? Certainly not! I am sure that if something like that were to happen in our surroundings, we would gather courage, stand firm, and defend our family and loved ones tooth and nail, not allowing such attacks.

These are just two examples of what is happening in the world at this time—seemingly endless conflicts.

But armed conflicts are also happening internally. A case in point is Ecuador. Sadly, the country is experiencing an internal armed conflict as it has openly declared war on terrorists who have been operating in the nation for years.

closeup-image-of-stethoscope-and-text-disease-x-on-2023-11-27-04-55-11-utc

On the other hand, the dark cloud extends even further over the sky of our world. Did you know that more plagues are already being announced… more viruses, more diseases from this year onwards? Yes, it is regrettable to learn that at least since the second half of last year, more lethal viruses than Covid-19 were already being announced, along with vaccines and medications to combat them.

Unbelievable, right? How did some organizations know well in advance about the next pandemic? Well, for months and even at least a couple of years ago, it was being disseminated with certainty that a new pandemic would strike the world, and it seems that 2024 will be the platform for “this foretold death.”

Let me share two very revealing interventions:

In May 2023, the Director-General of the WHO stated: “Although COVID-19 may no longer be a global public health emergency, countries must still strengthen response to the disease and prepare for future pandemics and other threats…”

And on another note, in March 2023, the renowned Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, pointed out: “The world hasn’t done as much to get ready for the next pandemic…I’m optimistic about a network that the W.H.O. and its partners are building called the Global Health Emergency Corps. This network of the world’s top health emergency leaders will work together to get ready for the next ‌‌pandemic.”  

Yes, it is truly unbelievable! The more we read and research, for sure, the more surprised we become.

ruined-house-after-an-earthquake-2023-11-27-05-34-34-utcFurthermore, just to complete the picture for now; earthquakes are commonplace. We started this 2024 as if welcoming a turbulent year, with the 7.6 earthquake in Japan that strongly shook the country and, in essence, the world, as if preparing to face strong jolts, not only in terms of earthquakes but in various spheres around the globe.

Undeniably, there is a dark cloud that extends far and wide across the planet, and although certain governments, authorities, and the general population struggle to confront it and cleanse the planet of this darkness, unfortunately, it seems to become denser and more difficult to eradicate.

Unlike the arguments of the “optimists,” the world itself, whether we like it or not, is in decline. Whether we like it or not, its destruction is inevitable. Why?

It’s simple yet controversial for many. The world is increasingly farther from its Creator, increasingly separated from its Sustainer. In fact, its heart is proud of its “achievements,” its “reach,” its “success”; by “progress” in industry, science, technology, and much more. And human beings increasingly crave more power, more pecuniary advantage, more pleasure. Of course, all of this, convinced that they are “self-sufficient” and have the “capacity” to advance and achieve everything they set out to do.

But amid all this “progress,” at the same time, more darkness has become evident. Sadly, amid this decay, even the earth groans. Yes, this is clearly stated in the Word of God: “For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now…” (Romans 8:22).

And how can it not suffer childbirth pains when we see our surroundings falling apart, and the darkness intensifies?

There is only one way, one solution, and that is Christ Jesus. If you, by “chance,” visited our blog or already know us; truly, this is not a coincidence. Let me be emphatic about this: darkness can only be fought with light, and the light is Christ Jesus, who straightforwardly said: “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life” (John 8:12).

The world and the humanity itself are facing a dense darkness; if you want to come out of it, the only way is Jesus. If you do not know Him yet and are interested in doing so, do not hesitate to contact us. Time is running out; today could be your “day out of darkness”, your day of salvation, for tomorrow it may be too late.

To conclude, I invite you to reflect on the following Word:

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:6-8)

Sources:

https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/05/1136912

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/19/opinion/bill-gates-pandemic-preparedness-covid.html

 

Courage that Conquers all Fear!

Articles September 11, 2023 Leave a comment

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

Nelson Mandela

Fear or Courage concept. Words in opposite directions on signpost with sky background

When I was about 5 years old, my mom and I went to visit my grandma. And to make an impression on her, I decided to walk to her house by myself. For a little girl, it was a somewhat long path from the main entrance to where the house was located. As I smiled and observed the trees and flowers around me, excited because my grandma would think I had arrived by myself – according to my imagination – suddenly, that joyful face turned into distress and great fear. It was because two big dogs who didn’t know me grabbed my small elbows with their mouths and literally escorted me, almost like a prisoner, to my grandma’s house. All of this while I shouted loudly, “Help me, grandma, help me.” Well, in the midst of the scene of barking, almost dog bites, and screams, my grandma and other relatives came to my rescue.

I’m not sure if this story shows courage in any way. In reality, in my adulthood, I am still afraid of dogs, albeit less so. And I always try to stay away from especially unknown ones.

Nevertheless, with this candid story, I aim to illustrate ‘the power of fear’ and how this power can be overcome.

If I had probably succumbed to the fear of the moment and had stayed paralyzed without saying or doing anything, those dogs might have attacked me with even greater force, and I might not have received the necessary help at the right time.

But in life, we face situations that are more complex and provoke fear, and often even terror.

Let me ask you a couple of questions

  • Have you ever felt fear?
  • What causes you fear?
  • How do you act when facing a specific fear?

Well, if your answer was affirmative to the first question, let me tell you that absolutely everyone, all human beings, face fears, to a lesser or greater extent. We all experience fear in certain circumstances. Yes, perhaps some are simpler than others, but it’s fear, nonetheless.

And to illustrate this theme even further, let me briefly refer to the story of a man greatly admired in the world of leadership, Nelson Mandela. As you have probably read, Nelson Mandela fought vigorously against racial segregation in South Africa. The well-known ‘Apartheid’ system (1948-1994) in South Africa established that people of color (the vast majority) lived in separate areas from those occupied by the ruling minority, that is, those of white race, especially Europeans. The colored population was highly oppressed during these years.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison. From a very young lawyer, he began his struggle against the ‘Apartheid’ system, seeking maximum justice and social equality. This ‘rebellion,’ as many labeled it, brought him dire consequences – prison – and everything that comes with it, including very adverse conditions.

After Mandela was released, he continued negotiations to finally end the ‘Apartheid’ system, and shortly thereafter, he was democratically elected as the first president of South Africa.

I invite you to investigate and delve into the story of this great man and leader, who certainly did not look out for himself but for the needs of an entire nation. Regardless of his own adversities and great fears in the midst of the battle, he did not rest from fighting for the freedom and equality of an entire people, during his imprisonment and even after his freedom was achieved.

Mandela surely experienced great moments of uncertainty, desolation, and great fear. We have much to learn from his greatMandela-ENG example of courage amid great adversity, as he himself expressed: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

And with certainty, there are many fears we can feel and experience throughout life. Fear in family relationships, fear of a medical diagnosis, fear in work relationships, fears of all kinds.

But perhaps the universal fear that a large part of the world’s population experiences is the fear of death. Have you ever felt fear of dying? Are you afraid of not knowing exactly where you’re going and what will happen to you after death?

Let me tell you that there is someone who bravely conquered death, and that brave one is called Jesus, who certainly died on the cross with one purpose: to bear the sin of humanity and give freedom to all who believe in Him and decide in faith to surrender their lives under His lordship and authority, desiring a new life free from the condemnation of sin and free from accusations. A life filled with harmony and peace that fulfills its purpose on this earth and longs to reunite with its Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ, in eternal life.

Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26). If you believe this and decide to accept this truth – that Jesus is the resurrection and the life – and surrender your life to Him in faith, desiring a new life in freedom and peace, then there is nothing to fear. Not even the terror of death has the power to haunt you once you decide to accept the Author of life, Jesus Christ. He, with certainty, will go before you, opening a path through the obstacles that will inevitably arise at every step, but with Jesus, you will have the power to overcome them all, if only you make this decision and remain obedient to Him, following the manual of life that Jesus Himself has left us – the Bible, His Word.

So, not even the fiercest dogs, prisons, the terror of death, or anything that causes you fear will have power over you if, from this very moment, you bravely surrender your life to Jesus Christ, the only true God who promises to accompany and guide you every day of your life.

If you have questions about this and want to know how to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, do not hesitate to contact us.