The Open Heaven 18 June 2025 devotional for today is WORDS CAN HEAL.
This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

OPEN HEAVEN 18 JUNE 2025 TODAY DEVOTIONAL
TOPIC: WORDS CAN HEAL
MEMORISE:
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Colossians 4:6
READ: John 8:1-11
1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
RCCG OPEN HEAVEN 18 JUNE 2025 TODAY MESSAGE
Over the past two days, I discussed the power of words; today, I will focus on how words can heal.
As a Christian, you should always be gracious with your words (Ephesians 4:29). You should be generous with giving compliments and telling people encouraging words. Simply saying things like, “I like your haircut,” can bring people out of sadness and put a smile on their faces. Your compliments must, however, be genuine because God will punish those who flatter others with their words (Psalm 12:3).
In Ruth 2:1, Boaz was described as a mighty man of wealth. Unlike some wealthy people who look down on their workers and speak rashly to them, Boaz encouraged his workers with his words, and they responded pleasantly (Ruth 2:4). I believe this is partly responsible for Boaz’s successful business. If you are a business owner and you curse or talk down on your workers, you are indirectly also cursing the work of your hands because they are the ones managing it for you.
Nabal, unlike Boaz, was a man who spoke negative words. When David sent his men to ask him to give them something, his response was terrible. He spoke harshly to the men and if his wife, Abigail, hadn’t intervened by going without his consent to soothe David with her words, everyone in his family would have been destroyed.
While Nabal’s words stirred up David’s anger and made him gather his men to go against the former’s household, Abigail’s words were seasoned with salt and kept her family from destruction (1 Samuel 25:1-35).
When you speak, what effect do your words have? Do they heal or destroy? Solomon said,
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21).
Apostle Paul, in today’s memory verse, tells us to make sure that our speech is always with grace and seasoned with salt. Seasoning makes food more enjoyable. A fellow whose speech is well seasoned will always attract others to himself or herself because people go to places where they are appreciated and motivated.
When the woman caught in the act of adultery in today’s Bible reading was brought to Jesus, in the midst of many condemning words from other people, His words, “Go and sin no more,” brought her the liberty that she needed (John 8:11).
Beloved, let your words bring unbelievers to Jesus and show them His grace. Do not let your words be the reason people reject the gospel.
ACTION POINT:
Consciously give genuine compliments and encourage people with your words every day.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Psalms 73-77
HYMN 59: I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS
OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 18 JUNE 2025 COMMENTARY
Words as Instruments of Divine Grace
Today’s devotional completes our three-part series on the power of words by focusing on their redemptive potential. While we’ve previously examined words’ destructive capacity and their role in relationships, we now explore how gracious speech can heal wounds, restore dignity, and draw people to Christ. Through biblical examples and practical wisdom, we’ll learn to season our conversations with divine grace.
1. The Anatomy of Healing Words
A. Characteristics of Gracious Speech
- Life-Giving (Proverbs 18:21)
- Builds up rather than tears down
- Imparts hope rather than condemnation
- Seasoned with Salt (Colossians 4:6)
- Preserves relationships
- Enhances spiritual flavor
- Creates thirst for righteousness
- Timely (Proverbs 15:23)
- Right word at the right moment
- Jesus’ perfect timing with the adulterous woman
B. Biblical Models of Healing Speech
1. Boaz: The Encouraging Leader (Ruth 2:1-4)
- Workplace Application:
- Addressed harvesters with blessing (“The LORD be with you”)
- Result: Pleasant work environment and divine favor
2. Abigail: The Peacemaker (1 Samuel 25:18-35)
- Conflict Resolution:
- Spoke truth with humility
- Averted disaster through wise words
3. Jesus: The Ultimate Word-Physician (John 8:1-11)
- Restorative Approach:
- Silenced accusers with wisdom
- Spoke identity before instruction (“Neither do I condemn you”)
- Issued empowering charge (“Go and sin no more”)
2. Practical Ways to Speak Healing Words
A. In Everyday Interactions
- The 3:1 Compliment Ratio
- For every correction, offer three sincere affirmations
- G.A.P. Method for Difficult Conversations
- Grace – Begin with kindness
- Attention – Listen fully
- Purpose – Speak to build up
- Saline Solution for Wounded Souls
- “I believe in you”
- “God isn’t finished with you yet”
- “Your story isn’t over”
B. In Evangelism
- Avoid “Christianese”
- Speak plainly about grace
- Follow Jesus’ Model
- To the Samaritan woman: “I who speak to you am He” (John 4:26)
- To Zacchaeus: “I must stay at your house” (Luke 19:5)
- Remember:
- Harsh words repel the gospel
- Gracious words make Christ attractive (Titus 2:10)
3. The Transformative Power of Healing Words
A. Psychological Impact
- Releases oxytocin (bonding hormone)
- Reduces cortisol (stress hormone)
- Rewires neural pathways for hope
B. Spiritual Dynamics
- Creative Power
- God spoke creation into being
- We create atmospheres with our words
- Authority Over Darkness
- Rebuked the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10)
- Silence condemning voices
- Prophetic Potential
- Calling forth destiny (Romans 4:17)
- Releasing divine purpose
Prayer for Gracious Speech
“Father, make my mouth a fountain of life today. Where I’ve spoken harshly, bring conviction; where I’ve remained silent when I should have encouraged, bring repentance. Fill me with Your words of grace and wisdom. Let every conversation today draw someone closer to You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Conclusion: Becoming Word-Artisans
- Daily Examination
- Review conversations each evening
- Scriptural Immersion
- Saturate your mind with Psalms and Proverbs
- Holy Spirit Dependence
- “Open my lips…” (Psalm 51:15)
Final Challenge:
- 30-Day Grace Speech Challenge:
- No negative words about others
- Daily intentional encouragement
- Weekly evangelistic conversation