The Open Heaven daily devotional, authored by Pastor E. A. Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, for Tuesday, 17th June 2025, delves into the profound impact of words, continuing the theme "Words Are Powerful (2)." The devotional emphasizes the critical role of speech in maintaining healthy relationships, particularly within marriage.
The key scripture for the day is **Proverbs 15:1**, which states, "$A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.$" The Bible reading is taken from **Genesis 3:1-13**, recounting the fall of man, which was instigated by the deceptive words of the serpent.
Pastor Adeboye's message for the day warns believers about the destructive potential of carelessly spoken words, especially in moments of anger. The devotional highlights that while forgiveness for hurtful words is possible, the memory of such words can linger and cause lasting damage to relationships.
The teaching specifically cautions against making statements like "I regret marrying you" or drawing unfavorable comparisons between one's spouse and others. Such expressions, the devotional explains, can deeply wound a person's self-esteem and create fertile ground for discord.
The message further elaborates on how the devil exploits strife caused by harsh words to gain a foothold in relationships. It encourages believers to be mindful of their speech, choosing silence over uttering words they might later regret. The devotional advocates for addressing issues directly rather than attacking the person.
The key takeaway from the devotional is to never speak harsh and negative words, regardless of the level of provocation. Instead, believers are encouraged to use words that build up and edify, fostering an atmosphere of love and understanding.
The accompanying hymn for the day is "I Want To Be Like Jesus," reinforcing the theme of emulating Christ's meek and gentle nature in speech and conduct. The devotional concludes with a prayer point asking for divine help to control the tongue and to speak only words that bring grace to the hearers.
