While Ryan is out on vacation, we will have guest bloggers writing here at JustOneMore.info. This week’s guest blogger is Searching. Searching is a regular commenter here at JustOneMore and recently became a member at CrossPoint!
Have you ever considered how often the words of another have hurt you deeply?
Ever wondered what affect your words have had upon others in your life?
The words we use have incredible power to bless and to harm the people in our lives. In an article in Christianity Today on July 6, 2009, there is a fascinating article about the power of father’s to help their children avoid destructive lives with their verbal blessing. Words have tremendous power. I once had a psychologist tell me that studies have been done that claim there is a psychological aura that is present after a heated meeting took place in a conference room that could be felt by employees entering the room afterwards. Do we as brothers and sisters of Christ think about our words and the power they have?
The Bible has much to say about our tongues and the words that cross them.
A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.
Prov. 15:1
He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding has a cool spirit.
Prov. 17:27
The Bible also tells us;
For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.
Matt. 12:37
A very wise and godly man once gave me a piece of advice that changed my life. He said that before you speak ask yourself three little questions, is it true, is it necessary, and is it kind? He said that for a Christian the words we utter are very important.
Character and Integrity are the part of us that travels before and behind us wherever we go.
So ask yourself, is what I am about to say the truth? So often we repeat things or spout off in anger and say things we don’t know to be the truth or that does not reflect the Christ we serve. One cannot un-ring a bell, and “I’m sorry” does not repair a hurt from an untruth.
And, is what I am about to say necessary? Does it serve a useful purpose or will it add to the conversation or situation? What is the real purpose in what we are about to say? Are we lifting up or beating down? We should be seeking to reflect the love and nature of Christ in all we say.
And finally, is what I am about to say kind? Isn’t kindness the least we can do as Christ-followers? Shouldn’t we seek to encourage and affirm wherever we can? Most often we teach people how to treat us by the way we treat them. The most telling way we treat others is through the words we speak. Are they harsh and repelling or kind and attracting?
Words are powerful and say more about us than about the topic we speak of. Let your words help, heal, encourage and reflect the love of Christ and may they bring glory to God! If you can answer “yes” to these three little questions, speak!
So, what do you think?
Words can build up or tear down. Words can heal and words can kill. One thing that hurts me is seeing how little respects, especially in public, there seems to be between spouses. Many of them don’t realize that saying something negative about their spouse can totally destroy them. Neither myself nor my wife have done this to each other and we make it a point never to do so.
Sadly, sometimes, I catch myself speaking first, thinking later. It seems so easy to do.
At the same time, I tell people that most days I keep clean socks on my feet, as they usually end up in my mouth.
Last, but not least, I can’t help but think of the words James wrote:
James 3
1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
Thank you for your insights this week. As I said before, I always look forward to seeing what you say on this blog. Keep up the good work.