Words

Words

How do people cope with the challenges of staying sober and spiritually grounded when words cut so deep? This message from Bishop Lance Johnson zooms in on one simple but explosive thing: what comes out of your mouth. Drawing on Proverbs 18:21, he reminds listeners that "death and life are in the power of the tongue" and argues that words are "the most powerful thing that any of us possess".

Across nearly three decades as a pastor, he’s watched gossip, rumours and half-truths tear apart friendships, marriages, and even thriving ministries. You’ll hear vivid examples of churches fractured and lifelong relationships lost simply because someone spoke carelessly, or believed what others said without knowing the full story. Johnson doesn’t stay theoretical.

He talks honestly about his own strong opinions and how posting them on social media caused needless hurt: yes, he had the right to speak, but that didn’t mean his words were helpful. That self-checking process – asking "how are these words going to affect somebody's life?" – sits at the heart of his message. For anyone in recovery from alcohol, drugs or destructive behaviour, this episode lands close to home.

Johnson links words to the condition of the heart, stressing that "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh" and urging people to let the Holy Spirit and scripture shape what they say. He highlights how unhealed anger, resentment and unforgiveness can spill out as speech that harms others and deepens wounds.

The episode closes with a prayer for those scarred by hurtful words, asking God for healing and restoration and challenging everyone to "speak life" instead of adding to the chaos. If you’re trying to rebuild trust, repair relationships, or grow spiritually while staying sober, this is a powerful reminder that your tongue can either back your recovery – or blow it apart. How will you choose to use your words today?