I grew up in a home where words were often tossed around like weapons. There were yelling and sharp phrases at every turn. I never thought much of it; it was just the way things were. I passed this on and brought it with me everywhere I went. I knew the power my words had as I intimidated or mocked the people around me. I was insecure, so my words were both my sword and my shield. I wasn’t about to let me guard down and surrender.

Later on, I became more involved in the church. My journey with Christ was beginning and I was in an internship where we were consistently told to “Speak life!” by one of our fearless leaders. I learned the error of my ways when for the first time I faced criticism for my cynicism. Still, I hung on to my weapons of choice and never really broke free from the stronghold the enemy had on my life.

The Bible tells us again and again that our words show the condition of our hearts (Matthew 15:18) and that they shouldn’t be used for evil, but instead for building others up (Ephesians 4:29). We are even warned so much that the Bible says that we will be held accountable for every careless word on the day of judgement (Matthew 12:36). So why do we ignore the truth?

Sins like addiction and sexuality immorality are seen as taboos and general wrongs. They're things we can avoid or walk away from, but we can never run from using our words. They’re in every moment of every day, with so much potential for either good or bad. It’s easy for people like myself to use these tools for evil. Cynicism, sarcasm, and cruelty can creep into conversation in an instant, no matter what truth of the Gospel we may know in our minds.

There’s only one thing that can change our lives – the transforming power of the Spirit in our hearts. Truly, it’s nothing that you nor I could ever do. We’d be stuck in our sin forever if left on our own. Whether it be immorality, gluttony, or unkind language like my own, we’d have no shot of breaking free without Christ. It was He who defeated sin and death forever on the Cross. He’s the only one to ever do so entirely. Others may have the will power to cease their own actions for a time, but their hearts remain the same. The blood of Christ holds the power to cleanse us, with no trace of sin left behind. By the saving grace of Jesus, we can have hearts made pure and white like snow. No longer does the crimson red stain of our sinful past have to remain.

I'm not just selling you this story for fun, but I know it as fact in my own life. In the past few months, I've seen such transformation in my heart. My biting, cynical ways have been shed and replaced with love. Though I still stumble, my speech reflects the grace that God has been pouring out into my heart. Spiritual gifts tests would be returned with scores that laugh at the idea of me being an encourager. Now, I find my strength in uplifting others. I've traded the ashes of my past and God has turned them into something beautiful. I can't take any credit for it because I did nothing. There was no striving, no working hard – only the Spirit moving day-by-day in the midst of my crazy life. It doesn't feel free simply because my choice of syntax has been altered; rather, it’s because of Jesus and the way He’s transformed who I am. My heart is light and I’m finding more and more freedom in Him day by day.

So I’d like to encourage you – no matter what form your struggles come in, submit them to Jesus and believe that He can make you new. It’s not just a line people tell you, but it’s the truth. I know it. I’ve walked through trials and know enough to tell you that He is always there and ready to move in your life. Maybe it will happen through a grand transformative moment or simply little by little each day. Either way, God is good and faithful to work in your life, and I pray you allow Him to draw you closer to the Cross. You’re never too far for Him to reach you.