Speaking Life
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Words have POWER
I think we forget that there is power in words. We use them so carelessly as though that child’s rhyme is true. “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”.
However, this isn’t true. I’m sure that just like everyone else if I let my mind wander, I can remember those hurtful words that broke my heart; made me feel self-conscious, and shaped the hard shield I built around myself. Those words were death and those that spoke them deeply wounded me without knowing the consequences.
It breaks my heart to think that over the years, I have said many things that hurt others; whether to them or about them. I didn’t understand that I was speaking death over them. Those words went out and created something...and it was NOT life.
Just as we read in Genesis 1:3, the Father spoke the words and created light; we too speak words and create...life or death.
Genesis 1:3
Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light
Think before we speak or type
Words are extremely influential. Far too often we create death whether by the lash of our tongue or the stroke of our keyboard without considering the consequences of our actions.
Consider the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), namely love and self-control. When we say hurtful things to people whether, in person or online, we do NOT demonstrate self-control nor do we show love. We are to be a representative of the Father no matter where we are or who we are talking to.
As we put the Torah into action,, we can’t be feeding the poor with one hand and lashing out with the other. Scripture tells us that words can pierce like swords or it can bring healing.
Proverbs 12:18
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Speak Life
We CAN put the Torah into action by speaking life over those that need it. Only the Father knows what others have been through and perhaps speaking life over them can bring some much-needed healing.
5 Ways to Speak With Kindness
- Think before you speak. When we allow our emotions to rule our tongue when end up hurting people. Before you speak, take a breath and think.
- Watch your tone. When we are irritated or frustrated, we can come across unloving to someone else. If our tone doesn’t match the kind words we are saying then we come across as being insincere.
- Say something kind. Find something you like about the person and tell them. If you notice they have a new haircut, a new shirt or you just really like their boots...tell them. My daughter gives compliments out to strangers wherever we go. She is amazing at telling someone that she likes their hair, nails, shoes or something else. You would be amazed at how much life is in their eyes every time she does it.
- Be an Encourager. Instead of shooting down everything that people say or arguing with them on a point..be encouraging.
- If you don’t have something nice to say...don’t say anything at all.
For more on this topic, please see our blog post: Are We Speaking Life or Death?