I pray that my words are received in love, tempered with kindness, and seasoned with God’s grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

When I moved to Maryland in 2017 as an educator who teaches in the Howard County School District, I searched for a multicultural, nondenominational church and found Bridgeway Community Church in 2018. An integral part of my journey to improve my walk as a follower of Christ was made when I decided to join Bridgeway’s Women’s Leadership Development Institute (WLDI). I am a graduate of the class of 2020. This was the year that life as we knew it changed. Although I experienced a few serious scares and the loss of loved ones due to the COVID pandemic, being a member of a group of women, especially during that time, who were genuinely striving to grow deeper in the Lord, allowed me to change in ways that I never imagined. Today, I am a Partner and serve as a WLDI alumnae team leader.

My Christian walk has allowed me to become convicted by the Holy Spirit on many occasions. I have discovered that the closer I walk in my faith with the Lord, the more He reveals to me. (Thank you, Jesus.) One of the key spiritual lessons God has taught me is to be intentional with my words.

The Holy Spirit nudged me to pay attention to the language we tend to use out of habit. As Christians, we sometimes say things just because that’s how we’ve always said them. There is a “churchy” call and response phrase that came to mind and even a church hymn that made me think, “Umm, is that what we really intentionally mean to say?” For example, there’s a small word we often breeze past – but when placed before the name of God, it can reveal something deeper about our faith, our doubt, or our expectations. That word? If.

The phrase “if God” appears in the Bible 27 times. What does this mean for us?

As a child growing up in the church and being surrounded by family and friends who were undoubtedly spirit filled, baptized, and walking with grace and mercy of The Lord, I remember people testifying about the blessings that God had clearly given them by adding phrases such as “If God did it for me, He can do it for you,” or “If God can do it for me, he can do it for you.” I never thought much of those phrases until I began to grow spiritually. I wondered, why do we (including me) use the phrase “if God can” or “if God did?”

The word “if” sometimes conjures thoughts of uncertainty or doubt. When I hear these phrases strung together, I wonder if God shakes His head and asks, “Where is their faith?”

I understand that people use these phrases without any ill intent. But the Bible calls us, as followers of Christ, to speak with purpose and be intentional:

  • about the way we live (Ephesians 5:15-17)
  • about what we do (Philippians 3:13-14)
  • about our commitment to the Lord (Proverbs 16:3)
  • about our work (Colossians 3:23-24)
  • about our relationships (Proverbs 27:17)
  • about our prayer lives (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
  • and about our actions (Ephesians 5:10)

All of these scriptures are indelibly connected to our speech and the words we choose.

When the word “if” is used in the Bible, it is to connect how God allows us to choose Him. In each example of biblical scripture, the word “if” is used to form a condition, or a hypothesis, “if, then.” Let’s examine scripture.

“Now, if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession” (Exodus 19:5 NIV).

“If you truly want to follow me, you should at once completely reject and disown your own life…” (Matthew 16: 24 TPT).

“If you (really) love me, you will keep my commands” (John 14:15 AMPC).

“My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad” (Proverbs 23:15 ESV).

“You can’t get forgiveness from God for instances if you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part” (Matthew 6:15 MSG).

Consequently, why would we, as faithful believers, use the phrase “if God” when we KNOW that “God IS,” “God CAN,” and that thing we prayed about, “God DID” or “God DID NOT do?”

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NIV).

“For the Lord your God is a merciful God…”(Deuteronomy 4:31 NIV)

“With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26 ESV).

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV).

When testifying about how God blesses you, choose your words with purpose. “God is,” “God can,” “God did,” or “God did not.” No more “If God did,” or “if God can.” Let’s speak with faith and clarity and be intentional with our words.

I declare, “God is, God can, and God did.” – Ask me how I know.

Peace and Blessings.

Veronica
Your Sister In Christ

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