WORDS – THE POWER TO ENCOURAGE OR CRUSH

We've all experienced the power of words in our own lives and observed the effect of their power in some things that others have shared with us.  Some of us carry the effects of harsh words for a lifetime and find it difficult to get past the hurtful impact.  When we take time to reflect we may also be able to remember some kind things people have said, and allow those words to bring hope to our heart and a smile to our face. 

A gentle answer makes anger disappear, but a rough answer makes it grow. Good people think before they answer, but the wicked do not, and what they say causes trouble. Kind words are like a life-giving tree, but lying words will crush your spirit. (Proverbs 15:1, 28, 4 ERV)

It may be time for each of us to consider what impact our words have on others.  Do we speak quietly or thoughtlessly use harsh words in reaction to something we don't like?  Will we give a compliment and a word of appreciation, or will we condemn someone for not doing things exactly the way we wanted?  As much as we are a work in progress and want to be recognized as such, will we allow the same growing space for others as we speak to them or when we speak about them?

Listening to wise people increases your knowledge, but only nonsense comes from the mouths of fools.  People are happy when they give a good answer. And there is nothing better than the right word at the right time.  (Proverbs 15:2, 23 ERV)

In our society, with its emphasis on social media, the thoughtless use of words is often reflected through our texts and posts rather than our mouths.  In what seems like less than a personal encounter, we somehow feel freer to express our thoughts without first filtering them.  Much harm may be caused to a person by what we post.  With things hanging in cyberspace long after we delete them from our own page, we need to be aware that we have less control over the harm we cause through our social media posts than in face-to-face encounters. It’s always wise to think before we speak or post. 

Prayer: Loving God, help me to consider what I say and its impact on others.  Give me the patience and self-control necessary to filter my thoughts before I respond to others, so that my words may build up rather than crush. Amen