When making a case for anything you feel strong or passionate about, defining the problem around your case or cause is the key to ensuring the solution you have to present is weighted with meaning and purpose.
The truth is, we live in the most divisive time in our nation's history - and truly, in all of history.
No other time has allowed for such widely spread communication...for so many words.
While estimates vary, social media contributes an astronomical number of words to the internet daily. Here’s a rough breakdown:
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Twitter/X: About 500 million tweets per day, averaging 20 words per tweet → 10 billion words per day
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Facebook: Over 2.9 billion monthly users, with millions of posts, comments, and messages → likely tens of billions of words per day
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Instagram: While image-focused, captions, comments, and messages add up to several billion words daily
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Reddit: Long-form discussions contribute several billion words per day
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TikTok & YouTube: Though video-based, captions, comments, and descriptions add billions more
Taking these major social platforms into account, it’s reasonable to estimate that social media generates hundreds of billions of words per day—likely trillions of words per year.
These numbers will only increase as time presses on. More exposure to more hot issues elicits even more opinions. More words. More noise.
As we reflect on this, the following scripture may come to mind: "In the abundance of words, sin is not absent."
Considering these realities, it becomes all the more important that we understand how to 'unveil our voice'.
UNVEIL
your
VOICE
A PERSONAL GROWTH PATH
Some Misunderstandings About Voice
From a Christian perspective, the power of our voice is deeply rooted in scripture, yet its importance can be easy to overlook in our physical world. We often forget that just as God spoke the world into existence, we as image-bearers have been given creative power through our words. Additionally, there's a spiritual warfare dimension where our voice can be used as an instrument of the Spirit, either for building up or tearing down, blessing or cursing.
Many Christians struggle to grasp the full weight of their spiritual authority as co-heirs with Christ and how this empowers their voice. While our culture tends to emphasize visible action over speech, scripture teaches that our words carry the power of life and death. This impact isn't always immediate – like Joseph's prophetic dreams that took years to manifest – but our words are constantly planting seeds that can have profound long-term effects in both the physical and spiritual realms.
Here are just a few of the most common misunderstandings about our voice today:
1. That We Should Be Able to Use It However We Want
Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from accountability. Our voices carry weight, and we are responsible for how we use them.
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Matthew 12:36: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”
The notion of unlimited freedom with our voice reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of responsibility. While we indeed have the ability to speak freely, this freedom comes with inherent accountability. In today's interconnected world, our words can travel far beyond their original context, affecting people we may never meet. The biblical reminder about accounting for careless words speaks to a timeless truth: our voice is a powerful tool that requires careful stewardship.
2. That Our Words Don’t Matter
Words have power to shape reality. They can heal or harm, build up or destroy.
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James 3:5: “The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!”
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That holds true whether it is a fire that destroys, or a fire the warms
There's a dangerous misconception that words are merely ephemeral sounds that dissipate into the air. The reality is that words have tangible consequences in shaping our world, relationships, and even our own thinking. Like a fire that can either warm a home or destroy a forest, our words have the power to nurture or devastate. This dual nature of speech demands our conscious attention to how we choose and use our words.
3. That the Use of Our Voice is Only for Ourselves
Your voice was not given merely for self-expression but for service, truth, and encouragement.
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Philippians 2:4: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”
Self-expression, while important, is only one aspect of why we have a voice. Our capacity for speech exists within a community context, where our words can serve, uplift, and contribute to the collective good. When we view our voice solely as a tool for personal expression, we miss its greater purpose in building connections, sharing wisdom, and supporting others in their journey.
4. That What You Intended to Say is Enough
Intent does not always equal impact. Good intentions must be paired with wisdom and discernment.
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Proverbs 15:28: “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.”
Good intentions alone don't guarantee effective communication. The gap between what we intend to say and how our words are received can be vast and consequential. This reality calls us to move beyond mere good intentions to develop thoughtful, clear communication that considers our audience's perspective and potential interpretations. Wisdom in speech requires both careful consideration before speaking and attentiveness to how our words are received.
5. That Clarity is Not Necessary
Communication is not just about speaking—it’s about being understood. Miscommunication can lead to unnecessary hurt and division.
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Proverbs 25:11: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver."
"Clear communication is not just a luxury—it's a fundamental responsibility. In a world already fraught with misunderstandings, unclear communication can exacerbate divisions and create unnecessary conflicts. When we take the time to communicate clearly, we show respect for our listeners and demonstrate our commitment to genuine connection. This involves not just choosing our words carefully, but also considering timing, tone, and context.
These are just a handful of misunderstandings about our voices. With that behind us, let's move toward a better understanding of voice.
UNVEIL
your
VOICE
WITH UNDERSTANDING
Moving Toward Understanding
Your voice has power. That can be easy to dismiss, but if we understand our identity in Christ, that we are image-bearers of God, designed to do the things that He does, and say the things that He says, we can begin to unlock the importance of unveiling our voice. When we live in Christ, our voice will align with His voice, as Jesus said..."doing greater things" than even He. So to understand the power in our voice, let's look at the power in His.
The Power To CREATE
Scripture reveals that God's voice is foundational and authoritative in creation. His spoken word brings all things into existence.
God's Voice as the Instrument of Creation
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Genesis 1:3 – "And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light."
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Throughout Genesis 1, the phrase "And God said" demonstrates that His spoken word has creative power.
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Psalm 33:6, 9 – "By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host... For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm."
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This reinforces the idea that God's voice is not just communication, but a force of divine power that brings creation into being.
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Hebrews 1:3 – "He upholds the universe by the word of His power."
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God's voice not only initiates creation but also sustains and preserves it.
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John 1:1-3 – "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made."
God's Voice Creates Order and Purpose
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In Genesis 1, God's commands bring structure, purpose, and beauty to creation:
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"Let the waters under the heavens be gathered..."
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"Let the earth sprout vegetation..."
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His voice transforms chaos into order.
God's Voice Creates Recognition
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In John 10:27-28, Jesus says: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”
The keyword "hear" in this passage comes from the Greek word ἀκούω (akouō), which has a range of meanings:
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To Hear Audibly – The physical act of perceiving sound.
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To Listen Actively – Engaging the mind to understand or heed what is being said.
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To Obey or Respond – Acting in accordance with what is heard.
In the context of John 10:27, akouō conveys more than simply recognizing sound. It implies an active, relational listening characterized by:
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Understanding
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Belief
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Obedience
Jesus' "sheep" not only hear His voice but also recognize it and respond with trust and action. The shepherd-sheep relationship in this passage highlights intimate connection and trust. Thus, "hear" emphasizes spiritual receptivity and a readiness to follow Jesus.
In the end, this much is clear—there is much that God's voice has the power to create, and in keeping with His characteristics, there is much our voice has the power to create. Beyond creating, there are other powers to explore.
The Power To PREPARE
"A voice cries: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'"
God’s voice not only creates but also prepares.
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The voice calling in the wilderness heralds the coming of the Lord, a prophetic reference to John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus. (Isaiah 40:3)
Similarly, our voices can be used to prepare hearts and minds—to lead, to warn, and to ready hearts for receiving and hearing God's voice. Like good seasoning added in preparation for a meal, so is a voice seasoned with wisdom and winsomeness to a heart in need of healing or direction.
Your voice - the words you speak and the tone you carry, can be the difference between hope and hopelessness for someone today. How are you preparing others' hearts for Jesus?
The Power To INSPIRE
God’s voice is a source of inspiration, stirring His people to action and devotion. Throughout Scripture, we see God calling individuals to great purposes:
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Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:4-12)
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Isaiah's commission (Isaiah 6:8)
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The calling of the disciples (Matthew 4:19-20)
God’s voice does not merely inform; it inspires. When we align our voices with His, we have the ability to uplift, encourage, and ignite hope, passion, and purpose in others. What voices have inspired you throughout your life? How does your voice inspire others? Those that bring the most hope carry the most influence.
The Power To INSTRUCT
God’s voice provides wisdom, direction, and correction. Consider:
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Proverbs 2:6: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
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Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
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Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
Instruction requires both speaking and listening. Are you using your voice to provide guidance and clarity to others? More importantly, are you listening to the instruction of God’s voice?
The Power To SOOTHE
God’s voice brings comfort and peace, especially in times of distress.
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Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
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John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”
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Elijah and the still, small voice (1 Kings 19:11-13)
A soothing voice has the power to calm a stormy heart. Are your words bringing peace to others rather than fueling anxiety or fear?
The Power To CHANGE
The voice of God transforms lives, hearts, and circumstances. When God speaks, things shift:
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Saul’s conversion to Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6)
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Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones coming to life (Ezekiel 37:4-10)
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The call to repentance through the prophets
How is your voice being used to bring change? Are you speaking life, truth, and transformation into the world around you?
The Power To DEFLATE
Words have the power to tear down as much as they can build up. A voice that belittles, criticizes, or speaks negativity can deflate the spirit of those who hear it.
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Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
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Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up.”
Are you using your voice to encourage or discourage?
The Power To CAUSE DOUBT
Not every voice is trustworthy. The enemy uses words to introduce doubt, as seen in the Garden of Eden:
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Genesis 3:1: “Did God really say…?”
Doubt can creep in through subtle questioning, misinformation, and deception. Being aware of this can help us discern the voices we listen to—and the voices we allow ourselves to be. Do we bring more doubt to others with our voice? Doubt in themselves? Doubt in the Divine?
The Power To CONFUSE
When voices are many and conflicting, confusion arises.
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(Genesis 11:1-9) Babel is an example of how language and voice can create chaos when not aligned with God.
Are you using your voice to clarify or add to confusion?
The Power To MANIPULATE
A voice can be used for selfish gain, misleading others for personal benefit.
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2 Corinthians 11:14-15: “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
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False prophets in Jeremiah 23:16: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with false hopes.”
Manipulation distorts truth for selfish purposes. Are you using your words in a manner that is motivated by love and truth or by a desire to control people or outcomes?
Loud Voices Rarely Create Lasting Change
In a world filled with noise, shouting the loudest does not guarantee that you will be heard. Instead, the most impactful voices are often those that whisper with wisdom, kindness, peace, and love.
What kind of voice will you cultivate?
Closing Reflection:
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How is your voice shaping the world around you?
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What areas of your voice need refining?
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In what ways can you align your voice more closely with the voice of the Father, Son, and Spirit?
This week, take time to listen—both to God’s voice and to the impact of your own.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” - Numbers 6:24-26
Watch Week 1
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Some Helpful Resources
We felt it worthwhile to share some resources that have proven helpful that in their own ways, speak to the matters surrounding our voice, our tone, and words. We hope you enjoy!
The 7 Frequencies of Communication