Last night as I was leaving a gathering of faithful women who had come together under a teaching of the power of our words, a revelation struck me—a simple truth that feels both obvious and profoundly powerful. My closest friend reminded me in a passing moment that salvation comes through confessing with our mouths that Jesus is Lord. Those words echoed in my mind, and I realized just how significant the spoken confession is in the life of a believer.
When she said this, I thought about HOW we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord. I’ve thought about that many times and in my head it’s like a short clip of me saying “Jesus is Lord” – but do I need to say it TO someone? To a pastor? A room full of sinners? To a terrorist holding a gun to my head like a martyr, like the stories of Columbine? It’s always been a lingering thought because it was in fact the Lordship of Jesus Christ that saved me. He revealed himself as Lord, I was convicted to surrender my life to Him and I was immediately and forever changed. And how I spoke, how I thought, everything changed.
Yet, I am honest enough to admit that remnants of my old self still remain. My heart grieves that sanctification isn’t instantaneous—it’s a journey. Along the way, I have wrestled with double-mindedness and have sometimes been restrained by the Holy Spirit from speaking when I might have wanted to.
I like to talk, and years ago I remember searching for a verse about arguing my case before God—as if trying to justify myself with my words. I mistakenly landed on Job 13:5: “If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.” It was exactly the wisdom I needed then, as I was learning self-control. That verse has come back to me many times, especially during last night’s conversation and teaching.
On my way home, I began to consider the many scriptures instructing us how to speak:
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” — Ephesians 4:29
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” — Proverbs 18:21
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” — Ephesians 4:15
“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” — Proverbs 17:27
“Therefore, putting away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” — Ephesians 4:25
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” — Proverbs 10:19
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” — Proverbs 16:24
“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” — Proverbs 12:19
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” — Colossians 4:6
These verses hit me with fresh clarity: When Paul instructs us to confess that Jesus is Lord, he isn’t merely talking about a one-time declaration. Our daily words and conversations are ongoing confessions of whose Lordship we acknowledge. Just as our teacher shared that our words either build God’s kingdom or the enemy’s, our mouths declare which kingdom we serve.
If the words I aim to say aren’t telling the hearer that my Lord is Jesus, then silence, for me, would be wisdom.
For me, this has become a powerful reminder to order my words carefully—always confessing Jesus Christ as Lord in what I speak, whether in prayer, conversation, or even in quiet moments. It’s a lifelong journey of learning when to speak and when silence truly is wisdom, allowing my mouth to build up, give grace, and proclaim the Lordship of Christ in every season.
About the Author: Amber Rockey
