Say Something That Matters

What do you want people to remember about your words when you walk away? Have you ever really thought about that?

Whether it’s a short goodbye or a deep conversation, our words can plant seeds that last far beyond the moment.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. Life feels shorter. The world feels darker. The time to speak truth and love feels more urgent than ever.

The Apostle Paul felt that same urgency when he wrote to Timothy. He was nearing the end of his life and his ministry, and he wasn’t just giving advic, he was leaving final words that mattered.

He warned of what would happen in the “last days.” And if you read what he said, it sounds exactly like right now.

He wrote: “Because people will love themselves, love money, brag, and be proud. They will say evil things against others and will not obey their parents or be thankful or be the kind of people God wants. They will not love others, will refuse to forgive, will gossip, and will not control themselves. They will be cruel, will hate what is good, will turn against their friends, and will do foolish things without thinking. They will be conceited, will love pleasure instead of God, and will act as if they serve God but will not have his power. Stay away from those people.” (2 Timothy 3:2-5 NCV)

It’s kind of sobering, isn’t it? You don’t have to look far to see it. We are living in the days Paul described, days filled with pride, self-love, greed, and rebellion against God.

You can feel it in our culture, in the news, even in conversations that have lost their soul. Paul wasn’t trying to scare Timothy; he was preparing him. And I think God’s Word is preparing us too.

We are in those end times now. The signs are everywhere. Jesus Himself said, “People will be selfish and love pleasure more than they love God… there will be wars and rumors of wars, but don’t be afraid. These things must happen before the end comes.” (Matthew 24:6, 12 NCV)

Paul also mentioned “silly women,” but that phrase isn’t meant to insult women. It referred to people, men or women, who were spiritually confused, easily swayed, and always chasing new teachings without grounding in truth.

He was warning Timothy that false voices would deceive the vulnerable. The mention of Jannes and Jambres points back to the magicians who stood against Moses in Egypt. They mimicked God’s miracles, but their power was fake and their rebellion was exposed.

Paul was saying: people may seem spiritual or wise, but if they resist God’s truth, their foolishness will eventually be seen by everyone.

That’s today too, the fake shines for a while, but truth always lasts.

When I think about this, I realize how much more my words should matter. If the end really is near, and it feels like it is, then I don’t want to waste time talking about shallow things that fade away.

I want to talk about hope, faith, forgiveness, and the reality that Jesus died and rose again so we could live forever. The gospel has never been more urgent.

Jesus spoke His final words with love and purpose. His message was simple yet eternal: “Father, forgive them.” (Luke 23:34 NCV) His death paid for every sin, and His resurrection opened the door for anyone to be saved.

That’s the message our world needs right now, not empty talk, not political noise, but the saving truth of Christ who redeems and makes us whole.

So when you say goodbye, say something that matters. Let your words carry love, not just sound. Because we’re not just saying farewell, we might be giving someone their final invitation to know Jesus.

LORD, help my words matter, especially now. The world feels loud, shallow, and divided. Help me speak with depth, truth, and love. Your Word says, “The words of wise people bring healing.” (Proverbs 12:18 NCV) and “Careless words stab like a sword.” (Proverbs 12:18 NCV) Don’t let my words wound or waste time. Let them bring healing and hope. Help me speak the gospel clearly while there’s still time. IJNIP amen ♥️