Words

I watch the world around me and the words that are said and it breaks my heart.  I don’t think people realize how important the words we speak are.  Our words can speak light into someone’s life or darkness into their soul.  Our words can literally mean life or death to someone.  In Proverbs it states that death and life are in the power of the tongue.  All it takes is saying the wrong thing at the wrong time to push a person over the edge they may be standing on.  It happens every day.  And we have no idea what is going on in someone else’s life at any point in time. 

In Proverbs 15:4 we are told, “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”  If we allow words of encouragement to leave our lips it heals the one who receives it, but if we speak deceitful or hurtful words they break the spirit of the one who receives it.  Do we really want to break the spirit of our loved ones?  Do we want to break the spirit of a grieving parent?  Do we want to break the spirit of an individual with a physical disability or mental handicap?  Our words can lift a person up or bring them down to the ground in an instance. 

What would happen if the only words we spoke were encouraging words of life, hope, and truth?  What if the only words we spoke were the words of love, empathy, and grace?  Some people speak words just to hear themselves speak, but their words lack meaning and intent.  When we choose to speak love to inspire others we can make an incredible difference in the world.  Words of life is an act of compassion and love.  When we look into the eyes of the broken, the lost, and lonely hearted and speak life and love into them, it will make a change in not only their life, but your own.  Ephesians 4:29 tells us, “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.”

We all know there are so many broken people in the world.  Every day people around us are struggling in their marriage, in their finances, in their jobs, in so many aspects of their lives.  Why don’t we make a choice to show LOVE, EMPATHY, and COMPASSION to those around us?  What do I mean by this?  I mean slow down…don’t cut someone off, don’t scream or say choice words because the person in front of you is going too slow.  I mean be patient…when the person in line in front of you is writing a check instead of using cash or credit like the rest of the world.  I mean give recognition…. take time to express your gratitude and appreciation for those you work with instead of taking them for granted.  I mean be understanding….to others who don’t think or live like you do or have a different way of doing things. 

I see so many times where people feel they have a right to criticize, shame, and blame others like it’s their responsibility or duty.  No one has the right to do that.  Like I have said so many times before, we blame and shame ourselves enough that we don’t need others doing it for us. 

We all need to learn to love others for who they are and where they are at in their life.  Judge Less and Love More.  Most importantly, use words that build up and bring light instead of those that bring darkness and pain.