The Power of Words: Understanding the Spiritual Impact of What We Say Insights from Kathy May’s “True Purpose for Being”
Words are everywhere. We speak to them daily, often without thinking much about their weight. But what if words are more powerful than we realize? What if they shape our conversations, our faith, our character, and even our relationship with God?
In her book True Purpose for Being: God’s True Purpose for Your Being, Kathy May takes readers on a journey that reveals how deeply words matter, especially from a spiritual perspective. Through the heartfelt story of Puppy John and his grandson Hank, May unpacks the unseen but mighty force that words hold in our lives.
Words: More Than Just Sounds
From the opening chapters, the book highlights the incredible power behind God’s own words. Puppy John tells Hank about the Bible verse engraved on his personal Bible, John 1:1 — “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This isn’t just poetic language. It points to the fact that God’s words are alive, powerful, and creative.
Consider this: God spoke light into existence. With a simple command, He shaped the universe. This is the ultimate example of how words carry power beyond human understanding. May uses this to set the stage for how we, too, can recognize the impact of our own words, though on a different scale.
The Power of Our Words
While God’s words created worlds, our words create realities in everyday life. True Purpose for Being emphasizes that what we say influences our thoughts, relationships, and spiritual health.
Hank learns through Puppy John’s story about a young boy tempted to steal a candy bar. Even if no one saw the act, the boy will face consequences later because God’s word says, “Thou shalt not steal.” This example clarifies that words are not just rules on paper — they’re living principles that guide us and affect our actions and outcomes.
Words can build up or tear down. They can inspire or discourage. They can heal or hurt. Kathy May reminds readers that the Bible calls us to be careful with our speech because it reflects our hearts.
Words Shape Character
In the book, Puppy John recounts advice from his friend Roy Smith, who believed God gave us one mouth and two ears for a reason: to listen more than we speak. This simple wisdom speaks volumes about how our words reveal who we are.
Choosing our words wisely requires self-control — one of the fruits of the Spirit. May’s book connects the dots between the spiritual qualities we develop and the words we use. If our words are careless or cruel, it can signal a heart that hasn’t fully embraced those virtues. Conversely, kind, patient, and truthful speech shows a heart aligned with God’s purpose.
Hank’s experience with his friend Sam, who teased him after missing a shot, illustrates this perfectly. Even playful words carry emotional weight. They shape how we feel about ourselves and others. Kathy May’s narrative encourages readers to recognize that words are tools for nurturing faith and character, not just casual expressions.
Words and Relationships
The book also stresses that words impact relationships deeply. Honest, encouraging, and loving words strengthen bonds. Negative, harsh, or careless speech damages trust and connection.
Puppy John’s patient teaching style with Hank shows how words can be a form of mentorship and care. This reflects a broader spiritual truth in the Christian faith — that faith communities thrive when built on supportive and truthful communication.
Words become a way to pass on wisdom, offer comfort, and build a legacy. The book’s emphasis on personalized Bibles engraved with meaningful scriptures symbolizes how words can be treasured gifts that guide generations.
Spiritual Discipline: Speaking with Purpose
True Purpose for Being challenges readers to make speaking with intention a spiritual discipline. This means thinking before we speak, choosing words that reflect God’s love and truth, and using language to encourage growth in ourselves and others.
Hank’s journey from curiosity to understanding models how anyone can learn to harness the power of words for good. It starts with listening to God, others, and our hearts, and responding with words that align with God’s word.
Why This Matters Today
In a world overflowing with noise — from social media posts to everyday chatter — Kathy May’s book reminds us that words are not neutral. They shape reality.
The spiritual impact of our words can’t be underestimated. Whether it’s how we speak about ourselves, others, or God, our language either draws us closer to the divine purpose or pushes us away.
May’s message is clear: Embracing the power of words is part of embracing God’s true purpose for our lives. It’s about living intentionally, speaking truthfully, and nurturing faith through everyday conversations.
Final Thoughts
Kathy May’s True Purpose for Being offers a compelling, easy-to-understand look at how words — God’s and ours — carry profound spiritual power. Through Puppy John and Hank’s story, readers are invited to see language not just as communication but as a vital force that shapes faith, character, and relationships.
If you want to deepen your understanding of the spiritual impact of words and how to use them wisely, this book is a valuable companion. It reminds us that every word we speak can either build up or break down, and that choosing the former aligns us closer with God’s divine purpose.