ARE YOU LISTENING TO YOURSELF
Are You Listening to Yourself
Words are powerful. They have the ability to uplift, inspire, and heal, but they can also tear down, discourage, and wound. We often think about the impact our words have on others, but have you ever stopped to consider the way you speak to yourself?
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” This verse is often taught in the context of how we treat others—reminding us to use our words wisely, to encourage rather than discourage, to build up rather than destroy. But what if we applied this scripture to the way we speak to ourselves?
The word “corrupt” means worthless. Words that have no value yet seem to do the most harm. How often do we allow corrupt communication to proceed not only from our mouths but within our own minds? We wouldn’t speak to a friend the way we sometimes speak to ourselves. So why do we allow harmful, unkind, and untrue words to echo in our hearts?
The way you talk to yourselves shapes your beliefs, your confidence, and even your faith. If you constantly say, “I’m not good enough,” or “I’ll never change,” you will begin to live as if those words are true. Negative self-talk creates walls and barriers between you and the person God created you to be.
Paul tells us that our words should be used for edifying, to build up, encourage, and strengthen. This applies not just to others but to ourselves as well. The words you speak over your own life should reflect God’s Truth, not the enemy’s lies.
So, what would it look like to minister grace to yourself? It doesn’t mean ignoring your shortcomings puffing yourself up or pretending everything is fine.
It means responding with truth and love. Instead of saying, “I’ll never get through this,” say, “With God’s strength, I can handle this today.” Instead of, “I always mess things up,” say, “I am learning and growing, and God’s grace will get me through.”
There is a significant difference between self-awareness and self-condemnation. Recognizing areas for growth is wise; shaming yourself is not. Conviction leads to change, but condemnation keeps you discouragement and depression.
How To Break the Cycle of Corrupt Communication
If you’ve spent years speaking negatively to yourself, breaking the cycle won’t happen overnight. But with faithful effort, you can change the way you talk to yourself and replace corrupt communication with life-giving words.
The first step to changing your speech and thoughts is identifying the lies you’ve been believing. What are the negative phrases that play over and over in your mind? Are they aligned with God’s Word? If not, they are not from Him so get rid of them.
Once you recognize the lies, replace them with Truth. Keep a list of Scriptures that remind you who you are in Christ. Speak them out loud if you need to.
There is power in speaking God’s truth over your life.
Here are a few affirmations based on Scripture:
• “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)
• “God has a plan and purpose for my life.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
• “I am more than a conqueror through Christ.” (Romans 8:37)
• “God’s grace is sufficient for me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Start Showing Yourself the Same Grace You Show Others.
If your best friend was struggling, you wouldn’t tear them down, you would encourage them. Practice extending that same grace to yourself.
If you make a mistake, own it and then figure out how to do it right the next time. Telling yourself that your a failure won’t help anything, and besides, it’s a lie anyway.
It is important to understand that what you allow into your heart and mind will shape your thoughts. Your thoughts will shape your actions, and your actions will effect your position in life.
If you constantly consume negativity, you will start to speak negatively to yourself. Fill your mind with things that are true, noble, right, pure, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
Listen to uplifting music, read God’s Word, surround yourself with encouraging people, and be mindful of what you watch and listen to. The more you fill your mind with truth, the less room there will be for lies.
Ask God today, to help you change the way you speak to yourself. Pray for a renewed mind, for the ability to see yourself as He sees you, and for the strength to speak life over yourself.
Romans 12:2 When we align our minds with God’s truth, everything else begins to change.
God didn’t create you to live in a cycle of self-condemnation. He calls you His beloved. He sees you as valuable, worthy, and loved. Your words should reflect that, not just to others, but to yourself.
So, the next time you catch yourself speaking corrupt words to yourself, ask yourself, “Is this true? Is this helpful? Is this what God would want me to say right now?” If not, choose a different narrative, one that aligns with the truth of who you are in Christ.
You have the power to change the way you speak to yourself, so speak words of life, words of grace, and words that build up. After all, you are listening to yourself, so make sure what you’re hearing is worth believing.
