Paul, writing to the Ephesians, says that speaking the truth in love is one way we grow and mature to become more like Christ. (Eph 4:15-16) Speaking truth is an essential element of spiritual growth; what we say has an enormous influence on us and on other people.
What we think is at the root of what we say; our mouths speak from the overflow of our hearts. (Matt 12:34) What we say can, however, also affect our thinking. If we constantly think about unwholesome or trivial things, it will affect our speech (and later our actions), which is why Paul is determined to focus our thoughts on all that is true and good. (Phil 4:8) What we say reinforces our thoughts, like a circle without end, creating a loop from which it is impossible to escape.
The psalmists knew this, urging themselves to speak of God and truth: ‘I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”‘ (Ps 91:2) ‘If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you,no disaster will come near your tent.’ (Ps 91:9-10) What we say about and to God is absolutely essential. Talking to ourselves in this way can be an important step in realigning ourselves with truth. Ps 27:8 says, ‘My heart says of You, “Seek His face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.’ As we speak out truth and repeat what God has said (rather than what we, others or the enemy say), our faith is strengthened and truth becomes the bedrock of our lives.
