I know it's a long title but it was clever right?…..
I'm not great with words so bear with me while I ramble……
For the past few days the power of our words has really been on my heart. Who ever coined the original sticks and stones saying was completely wrong. Words have the power to hurt, to heal, to destroy, to build. The bible tells us over and over that what we say has great importance as a Christian. Look at Matthew 12:36-37
"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
and before that in Proverbs 12:18 it says
"The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
Has anyone ever said anything to you that still haunts you? Maybe it was a joke about your appearence or a comment about your personailty. In the 11th grade at 99 lbs my mother told me I was starting to look chunky. I don't think she meant it in the way that she said it but I took it to heart and decided I was going to stop eating accept for when I couldn't avoid it at home. What she said still haunts me now and I worry all the time about what I look like. I'm sure we have all made a comment or a sarcastic joke about someone that we never intended for harm but as Christians we are called to be VERY carful about what comes out of our mouths. It's ok to joke and have fun but not at others expense. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephisians 4:29
This goes for the words we say in anger as well. This is probablly one of my biggest struggles. Growing up I alway had to have the last word but as I've grown and become a christian I know that I have to constantly think before I speak. A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 Since august I have really been put to the test. I'm living with a roommate who likes to say and do some of the cruelst, meanest, nonsensical things to me and the people around her. By the grace of God I've been able to bite my toung in every situation and while it hasn't improved the situation I know that it would be much worse if I had said more. The bible and God are the only reason I have been able to do this I remind myself daily of Proverbs 17:28 even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.
This week try to think before you speak more often. Is what you ar about to say really meaningful? Will it help or bless that person? To you really need to speak or is it a time for silence?
Here is a whole list of verses about the power of words and what the bible says about what we say so check it out http://www.openbible.info/topics/power_of_words
Be careful with those chatter boxes and have an Awesome day everyone!!
