Introduction: It is hard to imagine that our words can either bring death or life—but it is true. What words are you speaking? Are they building up or tearing down?

A powerful example of this was demonstrated recently. Did you hear about the lady, Renee Good, an anti-ICE activist, who was shot and killed after attempting to run over a law enforcement officer? Obviously, she was in the wrong, even though it was still a tragedy.

I was struck by how her ex-father-in-law, Timmy Macklin Sr., responded to a CNN reporter after being asked about the situation. Here are some of the words he shared:

“I just think we make bad choices,” the elder Macklin said. “That’s the problem: there’s so much chaos in the whole world today. And that’s why the Bible says, ‘If my people would humble themselves and seek his face and pray, and turn from their wicked ways, God will hear from heaven and forgive our sins and heal our land.’”

Later he added, “Well, you know, I’m not blaming anybody. I mean, it’s a hard situation all the way around.”

He continued, “I don’t have any enemies. I love everybody. That’s what the Bible tells us: love our neighbors as we love ourselves. But you know, I think there’s some bad choices. And the Word says, ‘For the wrath of God will come upon the children of disobedience.’”

Then he said, “I don’t blame ICE, I don’t blame Rebecca, I don’t blame Renee. I just wish that if we’re walking in the Spirit of God, I don’t think she would have been there. That’s the way I look at it.”

These are words of wisdom. May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ give us wisdom to know how to answer every person with grace, truth, and hope in His Word.