As a kid, I was raised with the frequent line, “Watch your words!” Were you? It wasn’t just a matter of respect I needed to show or self-control I needed to demonstrate. My parents wanted me to have an awareness that my words carry power. They hold the power of life and death.

Indeed life and death are in the power of the tongue. We can destroy dreams or bring dreams to life through our words. We can kill friendships or grow them. We can instruct or destruct. To confess is to confirm. Even our eternal salvation rests on our confession (Romans 10:9-10). Spoken words are power.

That said, here are five keys to powerful, life-giving living:

SPEAK LIFE. In a world that is constantly dying, be known for speaking life, bringing life and renewal to others and self (John 6:68, Acts 5:20).

SPEAK TRUTH. Find the highest and best truths and declare them with confidence to self and others with no hesitation. Introducing truth takes us to the high ground, away from entangling speculation and muddying debate. Truth told delivers us from being stuck (2 Timothy 2:15).

SPEAK TACTFULLY. To speak tactfully is to speak appropriately, bringing good mindfulness, awareness and proper context to the conversation. To speak tactfully is to speak with grace. Adding grace to our words really helps others become friends with the truth (Colossians 4:6).

SPEAK HOPE. Sometimes the best gift we can give others are words of hope. Such gifts land with power. Learn to gift others by speaking hope (Psalm 119:43).

SPEAK HEALING. Since life and death are in the power of the tongue, use this gift to heal. Ask the right questions. Offer the best prayers. Write the best cards, emails, texts. Help people to admit their pain and brokenness and offer confessions to God and others. Speak healing words (Proverbs 12:18).

Athlete, words are power. Taste this fruit and grow skillful in their use. Master the art of words fitly spoken. It’s a matter of life and death.