We were made in God’s image, which means the words we say have power (James 3:1-12; Genesis 1:1-3; John 1:1-2). They can lift people up or tear them down (John 1:14). This applies to the words we say to others, as well as the self-talk we engage in (Psalm 19:14). Sometimes our tongues feel untamable; it’s easier to be negative and critical, but we are called to be positive and encouraging. Prioritizing the words we say takes more than just going to church on Sundays. It requires prayer and reading God’s Word, as well as being part of a community that will grow with us because doing life by ourselves blinds us to the ways that God wants to change us (Hebrews 10:24-25).