“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” – Matthew 12:36-37

In Matthew 12, a blind and mute man is brought to Jesus, and Jesus healed him so that he could see and speak. While the people who witnessed the miracle marveled, the Pharisees who heard this  said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”  Jesus rebukes them and educates everyone else present that a kingdom divided against itself will not stand, and that anyone who talks down on the things He does automatically talks down on the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and that is not a forgivable sin.

Jesus goes on to warn about the consequences of loose talk, stressing that everyone would have to give account of every empty word said. For us in this age, this message is more troubling, considering how easily people can get influenced by others, particularly on new media spaces. More often than not, people will use very empty words to discourage, tear down, disrespect others or judge them, and then later hide behind the excuse of not meaning what they said, instead of apologizing. Like the Pharisee and everyone present in Matthew 12, Jesus is sounding us this warning also,  “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” – Matthew 12:36-37

It is important for us to understand that with every word that comes out of our mouth, every post on social media, every share and retweet, we are takin a stand. A stand with God or a stand against Him.  Let us consider our ways and let us be slow to speak going forward. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us to avoid unwholesome and empty talk. Rather, our speech should bring edification, unity and peace. In Jesus name.