Have you ever said something and instantly regretted it? Maybe it was misunderstood, or it just came out wrong. It’s a feeling I know all too well. Even after years on the mission field, my words sometimes get ahead of me, leaving a trail of regret in their wake.
I spend so much of my time sharing stories, teaching, and encouraging others—so you’d think I’d have my own words under control by now. But the truth is, this isn’t just a “words” issue—it’s a heart issue. And while God has been working on taming my heart over the years, I’ll admit that taming my tongue is still a work in progress.
The Bible doesn’t hold back when it talks about the power of words. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that the tongue has the power of life and death. Words can build up or tear down, heal, or hurt. And when we’re careless with our words, the consequences can sting.
Last November, I felt the sting of my own words firsthand. I had just arrived at a new ministry in Mexico, where I was helping out at a rehabilitation center, when I said something I shouldn’t have. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone, but my words still caused pain. One of the women who serves faithfully at the ministry—a mother figure to the men who pours her heart and soul into the work—was hurt by what I said.
When I quickly realized what had happened, I felt awful. I could see the hurt in her eyes, and the guilt hit hard—I knew I had to make things right. So I did the only thing I could at that moment: I offered a heartfelt apology. Not just words but a sincere attempt to show how truly sorry I was. Later, as I sat with the Lord in prayer, I felt a gentle but unmistakable nudge in my spirit—God wasn’t done with this moment. He was asking me to go one step further.
Words are important, but sometimes actions speak even louder. So the next day, I decided to do something small yet meaningful—I bought her a bouquet of Christmas flowers. It wasn’t about the flowers themselves. It was about the heart behind them. I wanted her to know my apology wasn’t just lip service. I wanted to say, without more words, “I see you. I value you. And I’m truly sorry.” That simple gesture was my way of trying to bridge the gap my words had created.
That moment stayed with me and got me thinking—how often do we underestimate the power our words carry? I started reflecting on the many times I’ve carelessly spoken without thinking, unaware of how my words might be received. How many conversations have taken a wrong turn? How many relationships have been strained or even broken simply because of a thoughtless comment?
I’m reminded of the vivid image in James 3:5–6, where God compares the tongue to a tiny spark that can set the course of nature on fire. It’s a sobering picture. One careless word, spoken in a moment of frustration or thoughtlessness, can ignite hurt and confusion that spreads far beyond what we ever imagined. And just like that spark, once it’s out, we can’t always control where it goes or what it consumes.
But here’s the good news: the same tongue that can wound also has the power to heal. A sincere apology—spoken with humility and followed by genuine action—can begin to mend what was broken. I’ve seen how a simple, heartfelt moment of repentance can soften hearts and open the door to restoration. When we own our mistakes and take steps to make things right, God, in His grace, can even turn our failures into a means of bringing about healing we never expected.
Maybe this story resonates with you. Maybe, like me, you’ve found yourself saying things you regret. If so, I want to encourage you today. First, remember that God’s grace is bigger than our mistakes. He hasn't finished with us yet, and He’s always working to shape us into individuals who reflect His love and kindness.
Second, don’t be afraid to own up to your words. It’s humbling and not easy to admit when we’ve been wrong, but humility is where healing begins. A genuine “I’m sorry” can go a long way, especially when we mean it. And if there’s a way to go beyond words— whether it’s a thoughtful gesture, a quiet moment spent truly listening, or finding a way to serve the person you’ve hurt, those steps speak louder than any apology ever could.
Finally, let’s not forget the incredible power that lies in our tongues. Before we speak, even in the smallest of moments, let’s pause and ask ourselves, “Will these words build someone up—or will they tear them down?” It’s a simple question, but it carries the weight of wisdom. That moment of pause could spare us—and others—a world of heartache.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow from this experience, even though it wasn’t pleasant. And I hope it encourages you, too. None of us get it right all the time—we all stumble in more ways than we’d like to admit. But by God’s grace, we don’t have to stay stuck. We can keep pressing forward, learning to speak words that bring life, hope, and gracious healing to those around us.
So the next time your mouth gets you into trouble (because let’s be honest—it will sooner or later), don’t let that be the end of the story. Let it become a moment of growth, a chance to make things right, and a way to reflect God’s love—even in your mistakes.
RETURN TO ALL BLOGS
I spend so much of my time sharing stories, teaching, and encouraging others—so you’d think I’d have my own words under control by now. But the truth is, this isn’t just a “words” issue—it’s a heart issue. And while God has been working on taming my heart over the years, I’ll admit that taming my tongue is still a work in progress.
The Bible doesn’t hold back when it talks about the power of words. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that the tongue has the power of life and death. Words can build up or tear down, heal, or hurt. And when we’re careless with our words, the consequences can sting.
Last November, I felt the sting of my own words firsthand. I had just arrived at a new ministry in Mexico, where I was helping out at a rehabilitation center, when I said something I shouldn’t have. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone, but my words still caused pain. One of the women who serves faithfully at the ministry—a mother figure to the men who pours her heart and soul into the work—was hurt by what I said.
When I quickly realized what had happened, I felt awful. I could see the hurt in her eyes, and the guilt hit hard—I knew I had to make things right. So I did the only thing I could at that moment: I offered a heartfelt apology. Not just words but a sincere attempt to show how truly sorry I was. Later, as I sat with the Lord in prayer, I felt a gentle but unmistakable nudge in my spirit—God wasn’t done with this moment. He was asking me to go one step further.
Words are important, but sometimes actions speak even louder. So the next day, I decided to do something small yet meaningful—I bought her a bouquet of Christmas flowers. It wasn’t about the flowers themselves. It was about the heart behind them. I wanted her to know my apology wasn’t just lip service. I wanted to say, without more words, “I see you. I value you. And I’m truly sorry.” That simple gesture was my way of trying to bridge the gap my words had created.
That moment stayed with me and got me thinking—how often do we underestimate the power our words carry? I started reflecting on the many times I’ve carelessly spoken without thinking, unaware of how my words might be received. How many conversations have taken a wrong turn? How many relationships have been strained or even broken simply because of a thoughtless comment?
I’m reminded of the vivid image in James 3:5–6, where God compares the tongue to a tiny spark that can set the course of nature on fire. It’s a sobering picture. One careless word, spoken in a moment of frustration or thoughtlessness, can ignite hurt and confusion that spreads far beyond what we ever imagined. And just like that spark, once it’s out, we can’t always control where it goes or what it consumes.
But here’s the good news: the same tongue that can wound also has the power to heal. A sincere apology—spoken with humility and followed by genuine action—can begin to mend what was broken. I’ve seen how a simple, heartfelt moment of repentance can soften hearts and open the door to restoration. When we own our mistakes and take steps to make things right, God, in His grace, can even turn our failures into a means of bringing about healing we never expected.
Maybe this story resonates with you. Maybe, like me, you’ve found yourself saying things you regret. If so, I want to encourage you today. First, remember that God’s grace is bigger than our mistakes. He hasn't finished with us yet, and He’s always working to shape us into individuals who reflect His love and kindness.
Second, don’t be afraid to own up to your words. It’s humbling and not easy to admit when we’ve been wrong, but humility is where healing begins. A genuine “I’m sorry” can go a long way, especially when we mean it. And if there’s a way to go beyond words— whether it’s a thoughtful gesture, a quiet moment spent truly listening, or finding a way to serve the person you’ve hurt, those steps speak louder than any apology ever could.
Finally, let’s not forget the incredible power that lies in our tongues. Before we speak, even in the smallest of moments, let’s pause and ask ourselves, “Will these words build someone up—or will they tear them down?” It’s a simple question, but it carries the weight of wisdom. That moment of pause could spare us—and others—a world of heartache.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow from this experience, even though it wasn’t pleasant. And I hope it encourages you, too. None of us get it right all the time—we all stumble in more ways than we’d like to admit. But by God’s grace, we don’t have to stay stuck. We can keep pressing forward, learning to speak words that bring life, hope, and gracious healing to those around us.
So the next time your mouth gets you into trouble (because let’s be honest—it will sooner or later), don’t let that be the end of the story. Let it become a moment of growth, a chance to make things right, and a way to reflect God’s love—even in your mistakes.
RETURN TO ALL BLOGS
