Blessing and Cursing: What our Words Reveal About Our Heart

I was chatting with a friend recently about something we’ve both noticed scrolling through social media. Out of one breath, people who claim Christ post something encouraging, filled with scripture, reminding us of God’s goodness. And then out of the other breath, those same accounts share posts that stir up fear, spread conspiracy-like claims, or throw around harsh words toward leaders, politicians, or anyone who disagrees with them.

It’s jarring, isn’t it? And it begs the question: what is flowing out of our mouths and our keyboards?

James 3:9-10 says, “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”

That’s a sobering reminder.

The Heart Behind the Post

Before I go further, let me be clear: I’m not saying we can’t stand firm in our convictions or share truth in public spaces. I certainly have strong beliefs about certain issues. But I’ve also had to learn that it matters how we communicate them and why.

So here’s a helpful pause before posting (or even speaking):

• Why am I sharing this? Is it to glorify God, or just to stir emotion?
• What’s my tone? Am I standing firm in truth, or just venting?
• Will this build up or tear down?

Ephesians 4:29 tells us, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

That applies to our thumbs typing on a screen just as much as to our voices in a conversation.

What Scripture Says About Our Words

The Bible gives us clear instruction about how we are to speak, even when we disagree:

• Toward those we dislike or consider enemies: “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
• Toward leaders: Paul wrote, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God” (Romans 13:1). And again, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
• Toward one another in the body of Christ: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you… Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Notice that none of these verses give us room to lash out, belittle, or stir up fear. Even in opposition, we are called to humility, kindness, and prayer.

Practical Examples

• Politics: If you don’t like a politician, how do you talk about them? Instead of lashing out with “they’re destroying everything,” what if we said, “I disagree with this policy, and I’m praying for our leaders” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)? That’s not weakness—it’s obedience.
• Hot topics (like health, culture, government): You may feel strongly (I know I do), but our convictions don’t give us a license to belittle, spread fear, or sound just like the world. There’s a difference between offering thoughtful perspective and fear-mongering.
• Everyday interactions: Maybe it’s not even online. Maybe it’s around the dinner table, at church, or in your thoughts about someone. The same standard applies.

More Than Social Media

This isn’t just about what we post online. It’s about the posture of our hearts. What spills out onto social media is usually a reflection of what we’re already rehearsing in our thoughts and private conversations.

Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). If our hearts are filled with anger, bitterness, or fear, that’s what will overflow in our words. But if our hearts are anchored in Christ, then our words will reflect His truth and His love.

Standing Firm in Truth, With Love

Sisters, we can stand firm in truth without stooping to the tactics of the world. We can call sin what it is, speak out against evil, and stand on conviction but always with a heart that seeks to glorify the Lord, not ourselves.

When people see our posts, comments, and conversations, may they see consistency: not blessing God in one breath and cursing His image-bearers in the next, but a steady testimony of women rooted in His Word.

Because at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what “side” we’re placed on. What matters is that we are faithful to Christ.

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