The Wonder of Words

Prov.15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Can you think of a time when you yelled out in anger? How about cutting someone down with your words then laughing after, like it was a joke? I have so many stories, and believe me my children could share their favorite, “Mom & Dad Shout Outs” as well. I have found the best way to get a friend or child to block you out is to raise your voice. For me, it was time on my knees in prayer that made a difference. Also, I gave my older children permission to motion my volume was rising, it isn’t easy, but I am determined to keep the communication open not slam it shut. Is this an area you find convicting?

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.”
“Can I share with you in LOVE?” “I know that this won’t go any further…” “I’m only telling you because…” No matter how you dress it up, it still winds up at the same dance… GOSSIP! When we choose to talk to others about someone else very seldom is it “for their own good”, most of the time it's because we are feel better when others are “put in their place”! I have to ask myself, “Is what you’re saying lifting up or putting down?” Is it God-centered or self-centered, that is the question. (Remember if we listen to gossip we give credence to its worth.)

Prov.12: 14 “From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.”
Think of someone who always has something good to say, does it make you smile? I would love to be that kind of person, how about you? Someone others look forward to seeing or calling because they brighten up their day? How about we do this:
Choose to say a kind word at every opportunity & smile even when our day is not its best. Try it and let me know what happens.

As we go through life we are always faced with choices and the use of our words is one of them…do we lift up others or put them down…do we say good words or bad ones…are we gentle or harsh…do we support gossip or turn away from it…and finally how do others see us? On our own we struggle, with God’s support we soar!