"Poorly chosen words can kill enthusiasm, impact self-esteem, lower expectations and hold people back. Well chosen ones can motivate, offer hope, create vision, impact thinking and alter results."
"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death."
- Revelation 12:11
On more than one occasion I've challenged my children to re-think what they have just said. Usually it is because they have spoken something that is not kind or wishing evil on another person. Often, however, I say it when they have spoke words of blessing over someone, because I want them to realize the weight of what they have said and how good it is.
Words matter.
With words I can tear the hopes and dreams of a person to shreds. In the same way, I can increase a dream and speak life into the very soul of someone.
It's true in the spiritual realm too. I can speak out a curse (calling out evil over someone) for someone with my words. In the same way, I can invite God's blessing in the life of a person. My words can bind Satan and his demons to silence and inactivity in the name of Jesus (Rev. 12.11).
Words matter.
Parksville seems to have much more grumpy and negative complaining among its' people than any other city that I have ever lived in. Charlene and I have had to watch ourselves closely. We want to be people who build others up with our words and not tear down. More than once a week we (mostly myself) will chat briefly about watching the focus of our words, because ... well, they matter.
So how do you speak? Do you treat the words that come out of your mouth with the weight that they deserve? I'm really working at it ... maybe you could start by encouraging me in the journey I'm taking!!
Thanks!
"When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
"All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be" James 3:3-11
1 comment:
Do you remember, as a boy, you were "encouraged" to sleep with Eph 4:29, {Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen), under your pillow for months at a time :)
Love, Mom (...:)got ya!)
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