Steve Porter: Every Word Matters
Oct 12, 2025
Our Words Are That Important "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:36–37 NKJV) There are verses and passages in the Word that strike a holy note within our hearts. They cause us to pause, to tremble a little, to reflect on the life we're living. Matthew 12:36–37 is one of these passages. Jesus Himself speaks of a day coming when every idle word will be brought to account: every careless phrase, every unguarded sentence, every whispered criticism, every sarcastic jab. It will all come to light. And yet, this is the tension we carry as redeemed ones. We Have Been Cleansed We've been washed clean, covered by the blood of Jesus. We've confessed; we've received mercy. So why—why would any word, especially a careless, idle one, still be remembered, still be brought up? It's a tender question... and the answer? It's just as tender: The blood of Jesus truly cleanses us from all sin.
Dear friend, your judgment is different. It is called, in the Bible, the "béma seat" (Strong's G968), or the "judgment seat of Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:10). And it is not a judgment for punishment but for your eternal reward and placement in Heaven. It's when we stand before the mercy seat of Christ, not His judgment seat of wrath. Our Words Matter Just Like Our Actions Yet still Jesus says that every idle word will be weighed. Why? Because our words matter, just like our actions. They're part of our witness. They reveal the heart—what's hidden deep inside. They carry weight, eternal weight. And, yes, we are forgiven, but the Lord still refines. He purifies our life's record, separating what was eternal from what was empty. Your idle words won't damn you; they're already forgiven, but they may burn away as wood, hay, and stubble (1 Corinthians 3:12–15) in the holy fire of His presence. They will not follow you into eternity. But every kind word, every word of encouragement, every whispered prayer, every time you comforted the brokenhearted—those words remain. They are your treasure in Heaven. They determine your placement and reward. The Weight of Our Words Beloved, may we tremble when we find ourselves speaking words of death over others. Some go about casually judging fellow ministers and mocking other ministries. They speak with sarcasm and cynicism about churches, movements, and people they barely know. They call it discernment, but it's often nothing more than veiled slander. These words are not light; they grieve the Holy Spirit, and they stir division in the Body of Christ. We have to be careful, so careful, not to curse what God might be blessing, just because it feels unfamiliar, just because it's not what we're used to. Different doesn't mean wrong. Style doesn't equal sincerity. And just because we don't understand it doesn't mean we're called to judge it or tear it down. If Christ has not assigned us to tear it down, then we must not pick up the sledgehammer, for with the measure we use, it will be measured back to us (Matthew 7:2). This is risky business. Your Testimony Is Precious
For those who walk humbly with Him, His words are not a whip but a whisper: "Be careful, little mouth what you say... for the Father up above is looking down in love." Let Us Guard Our Lips Let us guard our lips, not out of fear but out of love. Let us speak with the awareness that every word is heard in Heaven. Let us weep when we've spoken out of anger. Let us run to the mercy seat when we fail. Let us choose to speak life. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14 NKJV) Dear one, there is nothing we have said in the past that His blood cannot cover. There is no careless phrase that His mercy cannot erase. But may we never take His grace lightly. Let us walk wisely. Let us speak gently. Let us remember that we were bought with a price and so were our words. At the mercy seat, you will not be shamed. You will be loved. But when the fire of Heaven refines your life, may it burn away only the dross and leave behind plenty of gold.
Whatever you do, don't miss another ELIJAH LIST email! Subscribe at this link: elijahlist.com/subscribe.
Steve Porter Steve and Diane Porter have dedicated their lives to helping others experience a deeper relationship with God. Through their work with Refuge Ministries and Deeper Life Press, they have created resources that touch lives all over the globe. Steve has a special anointing to bring forth the deep truths of the Spirit, and his books, articles, and videos have helped people draw closer to God. The Porters live near Rochester, NY, and their greatest joy is to share the incredible love of their wonderful Lord.
To receive more words like this in YOUR inbox, subscribe FREE to the Elijah List at this link: elijahlist.com/subscribe.
Thank you for making the always-free "ElijahStreams" possible. To partner with us, click here. Your donations truly help us keep these emails free for you. Donate at: Find us on:
|
If you have turned from your sin and placed your trust in Christ, you stand justified before the throne of God. There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Your name is written in the Lamb's book of life. Your past is under the Blood. You are not facing the "great white throne" judgment of sinners (Revelation 20:11–15). (Photo via Flickr) 
Beloved, our salvation is not fragile, but our testimony is precious. And that is what Jesus is reminding us of. He was not speaking to frighten the saints, but to awaken the careless. He was addressing Pharisees whose hearts were full of pride, not humility. His words were a mirror to show them what their religious words were really producing. (Photo via Pexels)
