"You Never Know Who is Listening"

As Stephen was being stoned for his faith, his final words were not anger, threats, or bitterness. Instead, he prayed, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:60). Standing nearby was a young man named Saul, consenting to Stephen’s death and listening to every word. Scripture doesn’t tell us what Saul thought in that moment, but it does make sure we know he heard.

Years later, that same Saul, now known as Paul, would write extensively about the power of speech. He urged believers, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying” (Ephesians 4:29). He commanded, “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). The man who once breathed out threats became the man who taught the church how to speak with grace.

Stephen never lived to see Saul’s conversion. He never heard Paul preach. Yet his words, spoken in pain and faith, may have planted a seed that God later brought to life. That reminds us of a sobering truth: we never know who is listening.

Our words matter because they reveal our hearts. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Salvation doesn’t just change where we are going; it changes how we talk. Words spoken in anger can wound deeply and linger for years. Words spoken in grace can convict, heal, and even help shape a future servant of God.

Today, speak carefully. Speak graciously. Speak as though God might use your words long after you are done speaking because He just might.