The Spark of Our Words: How Small Remarks Can Ignite Big Consequences

In 2020, a family gathered at El Dorado Ranch Park in California to celebrate a baby on the way. It was a gender reveal party, the kind where everyone’s excited, eagerly awaiting the big moment. They chose a small smoke bomb to reveal whether they were having a boy or a girl. But what was supposed to be a joyful celebration quickly turned into a nightmare. A tiny spark from the smoke bomb landed on the dry grass, and in an instant, a massive wildfire began. It spread rapidly, burning over 22,000 acres, destroying homes, and tragically claiming the life of a firefighter.

This tragic event illustrates just how powerful a small spark can be. It’s a stark reminder of the impact that something seemingly insignificant can have when the conditions are just right—or in this case, terribly wrong.

And isn’t that true of our words as well?

The Power of the Tongue

The Bible has a lot to say about the power of our words. In James 3:5-6 (NLT), we read:

“In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.”

Just like that tiny spark from the gender reveal party, our words can set off a chain reaction that causes immense damage. Whoever said, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” clearly didn’t understand the real power of words. The hurtful things people say can leave deep scars, ones that last far longer than any physical wound.

The Test of the Tongue

The book of James challenges us to live a life that is “teleios”—a Greek word meaning morally perfect, genuine, complete, and mature. It’s a high standard, but one that we should all strive for as followers of Christ. James doesn’t shy away from addressing the real struggles we face, including how we use our words.

He asks us to reflect: Does what we say, or don’t say, reflect our faith? Our tongue, though small, has the power to guide our lives, much like a bit guides a horse or a rudder steers a ship. But it also has the power to destroy, just as a spark can ignite a devastating fire.

Choosing Life Over Destruction

Proverbs 18:21 (NLT) says, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” We all have a choice in how we use our words. Will we wield them like a sword, cutting and wounding others? Or will we use them like a scalpel, with precision and care, to bring healing and encouragement?

Parents, your words have immense power over your children. Your encouragement can shape their confidence and character. Married couples, never underestimate the impact of a kind word to your spouse. And to everyone serving in our kids’ ministry, know that the words you speak to those children will echo in their hearts long after they’ve left your class.

Ask Before You Act

But how do we consistently choose life over destruction with our words? James doesn’t give us a step-by-step guide, but the Bible offers wisdom. Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) gives us this instruction:

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

When you’re about to speak, take a moment to ASK before you ACT:

•Ask God for help: Pause and pray, even if it’s just a quick prayer for guidance.
•Ask, “Is it good?”: Is what you’re about to say loving, kind, and true?
•Ask, “Is it helpful?”: Will your words build someone up or tear them down?

An Invitation to Change

If you’ve struggled in this area, you’re not alone. We all have moments when our words cause harm. But today, I invite you to ask God for forgiveness and help. He’s not here to condemn but to guide you toward a more godly way of speaking. With His help, you can use your words to bring life and encouragement to those around you.

Let’s choose to put down the sword and pick up the scalpel. Let’s speak life.