Daily Parent Devotional: Speaking Life (March 8)

Words are heavy.

As parents, we carry a lot of them. We carry the words our boss said to us at work. We carry the words our own parents said to us twenty years ago. And every single day, we pour words into the lives of our children.

Think about the last 24 hours. What was the "temperature" of the words in your home? Were they life-giving, or did they feel a bit like a cold wind?

Today is March 8, and our focus is simple but profound: Speaking Life.

At Boundless Online Church, we believe that the way we communicate reflects the heart of Jesus. Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, a late-shift worker catching a few minutes of peace, or a caregiver balancing a thousand responsibilities, your words have the power to shape a soul.

The Power of the Tongue

The Bible doesn’t mince words when it comes to the things we say. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue."

That is a massive responsibility.

As parents, we aren't just communicating information; we are building identity. When we tell our teenager, "I’m so proud of the way you handled that situation," we are planting a seed of life. When we snap in frustration because the shoes were left in the hallway for the tenth time, we might be planting something else.

We help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online, and that growth starts with the way we treat the people closest to us.

More Than Just "Being Nice"

Speaking life isn't just about being polite or avoiding "bad words." It is a spiritual discipline. In the Assemblies of God tradition, we believe in Spirit-empowered living. This means we don’t have to rely on our own patience, which, let’s be honest, runs out pretty fast some days.

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, our speech begins to change. We start to see our children through God’s eyes.

Instead of seeing a "difficult child," we see a "leader in training." Instead of seeing a "lazy student," we see someone who needs "encouragement to find their passion."

This shift in perspective changes the words that come out of our mouths. It moves us from a place of criticism to a place of intercession and blessing.

Speaking Life in the Digital Age

In today's world, "speaking" isn't just about the sounds we make with our mouths. It’s about the texts we send, the comments we leave, and the way we interact in digital spaces.

Our children are watching how we handle ourselves online. If they see us "speaking death" to a stranger on social media or using our phones to vent frustration, they are learning that words are weapons.

Part of protecting our families online is teaching them the value of digital grace. If you want to dive deeper into how to navigate these waters, check out our guide on Digital Safety 101.

When you send a quick text to your child in the middle of the day just to say, "I’m praying for you," you are using technology to speak life. You are bridging the gap and letting them know they are seen and loved, even when you aren't in the same room.

The Memphis Scrub: Purifying the Source

You might have heard us talk about the "Memphis Scrub." While it’s a term we use for our content, it’s also a great metaphor for the heart. Before we can speak life, we need to let God "scrub" our hearts.

Jesus said that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). If we find ourselves speaking words of anger, sarcasm, or defeat, it’s a signal that we need to spend some time at the feet of Jesus.

Take a moment today to ask yourself:

• What is the current state of my heart?

• Am I filling myself with the Word of God, or am I filling myself with the noise of the world?

• Am I leaning on the Holy Spirit to guide my reactions?

If you feel like your "word bank" is empty, come join us for Sunday Live Worship. It’s a space to recharge, reset, and remember who you are in Christ.

Practical Steps for Today

How do we actually do this on a busy Tuesday or a stressful Sunday? Here are three simple ways to speak life into your home today:

1. The Blessing of Presence

Sometimes the most life-giving "word" is your silent presence. Put down the phone, look your child in the eye, and truly listen. When they know they have your full attention, they feel valued. That value is the foundation upon which life-giving words are built.

2. Catch Them Doing Something Right

We are often so quick to point out mistakes. Today, make it a mission to catch your child doing something good. Even if it’s something small like putting a glass in the sink or being kind to a sibling. Call it out. "I love how helpful you’re being today."

3. The Power of "I'm Sorry"

Parents aren't perfect. We will fail. We will speak words we regret. One of the most powerful ways to speak life is to model repentance. If you lose your temper, go to your child and say, "I am sorry. I shouldn't have spoken to you that way. Will you forgive me?" This teaches them that relationships are more important than being right.

A Prayer for Your Family

As you go through your day, remember that you are not alone. Whether you are part of a local community or you are connecting with us from a place where a physical church is hard to find, you are part of the Boundless family.

We believe in the 16 Fundamental Truths, and one of those is the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. He is the one who helps us grow in holy character. He is the one who can tame the tongue when we feel like we’re at our breaking point.

Let’s pray together:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of my children. Help me to see them as You see them. Lord, I ask that You would set a guard over my mouth today. Let my words be seasoned with grace. Help me to speak life even when I am tired or frustrated. Let our home be a place where Your peace dwells. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Join the Conversation

We want to hear from you. How are you speaking life into your family today? What are some of the challenges you face in keeping a positive and godly atmosphere in your home?

If you’re looking for a place to connect with other parents who are on this same journey, consider joining one of our Groups. We have spaces for everyone, from those in the middle of the "toddler years" to those navigating the "teen years" and beyond.

Remember, you don't have to do this parenting thing in isolation. We are a global community, and we are here to support you.

If there is a specific situation in your family that needs prayer, maybe a strained relationship or a difficult season of communication, please reach out to us. Our community is standing by to lift you up. You can post on our Prayer Wall or use the contact info below.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.

Need prayer? Text 1-901-213-7341 (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies.