The Power of the Tongue: Building Bridges, Not Walls, in the Work

Brothers and sisters, have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling drained, not because of what was said, but because of *how* it was said? It’s a quiet wound, isn't it? The kind that festers in the spirit long after the dust has settled.

We are called to be disciples everywhere, all the time. Whether we are in the MTC, teaching in a ward setting, or even just having a casual missionary discussion with a friend, our words are the currency of the Spirit. They build Zion, or they build walls.

The recent insights shared reminded me so much of my own early days. I used to be so eager to correct, so determined to be "right," that I’d speak without pausing to consider the impact. I was direct, yes, but I was often clumsy with the Spirit. I realized that being knowledgeable about the gospel isn't enough; we must also be masters of our own tongues.

Choosing Our Words: From Reaction to Reflection

The principle from Proverbs 18:21 rings so true: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue; who love it shall eat the fruits thereof.”

It’s so easy to *react*. We hear something that triggers a defensive response, and before our thoughtful, Christlike spirit can catch up, the words tumble out. But the Lord asks us to pause. To move from reacting to *acting*—to *choosing* our words.

Think about the contrast presented: Instead of asking, “Why isn’t dinner ready?” (which plants the seed of accusation), we can ask, “Are you tired? Would you like me to handle dinner tonight?” The first statement assumes fault and builds a wall. The second statement shows empathy, offers assistance, and opens the door to dialogue. It’s a small shift in phrasing, but the difference in the spiritual atmosphere is enormous.

This isn't just about avoiding arguments with family; this is paramount in the work. When we are teaching the plan of salvation, or when we are trying to help a friend wrestle with doubts, our tone, our patience, and our phrasing are our primary tools. They are the vessels through which the Spirit flows.

If you feel yourself getting heated during a study session or a conversation with an investigator, I encourage you to pause. Take a breath. Ask the Spirit to help you translate your truth into a way that is both powerful *and* gentle. That is the hallmark of a returned missionary who has learned to shepherd with both knowledge and kindness.

The best conflict, as the devotional noted, is the one that never has to start. Let us be the disciples who build bridges of understanding, not barricades of offense. Let’s commit to being mindful of the words we speak, knowing that they carry the power to bring life—the life of the gospel—into someone’s heart.

If this resonated with you, please share this post with a companion. And if you want to deepen this principle, I highly recommend looking into the scriptures through the lens of careful speech. You can find excellent guidance on this in the LivingBook, perhaps even exploring a Book Club study on the Book of Proverbs.

For those of us striving to refine this skill, remember that we are all learning. If you’d like to practice turning challenging questions into Spirit-filled answers, I invite you to work with Davee. He’s ready to walk you through some tough investigator questions using his AI Investigator role!

Keep striving to be Christlike in everything, especially in what comes out of your mouth. The Lord is patient with us, and He promises to change us when we ask Him.

In the service of the gospel,
A Fellow Disciple