The Bible admonishes us to follow the example of those who through faith and patience obtained the promises. We will do just that in the next several days, beginning with the story of the Centurion. Before Jesus released the word of authority that healed the centurion’s servant, He first commended his faith.  In Matthew 8:10 the Bible says, “When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” (NKJV). How did the centurion express his faith that drew virtue from Jesus? It was by what he said.

“Before you speak, remember that justification or condemnation, victory or failure are all tied to our words.”

When Jesus offered to come to the centurion’s house, he declined. This was owing to respect as well as reason. Respect because he did not feel worthy to have Jesus under his roof; and reason because he, being a man of authority, could get things done by simply speaking. He figured out that Jesus’ authority was much stronger than what he could ever boast about. He believed Jesus could speak his servant back to health. And that’s what happened. A primary way of expressing faith is by speaking. Of course, we are not talking of idle words. Everyday people speak; what is not certain is whether they issue faith or doubt from their mouths when they speak. Before you speak, remember that justification or condemnation, victory or failure are all tied to our words.