“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.” Ephesians 4:29 ESV
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 ESV
Several years ago, my husband and I were having breakfast at a local restaurant. Soon after our meal arrived, we could not help but overhear the woman seated at the table next to us telling her friends how harshly she had spoken to someone she had recently invited to a dinner party. The invitee was supposed to bring a dessert but failed to show up for whatever reason. The woman was telling her friends she was so upset that she called her “friend” on the phone and cursed her out, telling her that because she didn’t show up, she had no dessert for her dinner party. I don’t know what prevented her friend from attending the dinner party, but the reason didn’t seem too important compared to the foul language we heard. As the woman told her friends about the situation, it was clear that she was hot under the collar!
As I recalled hearing the above-referenced conversation that day, I thought about the power of our words. Many of us remember the familiar childhood chant from elementary school: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Although this is a false statement, for young children, it was just a tiny way of retaliating against someone who had said something unkind to them.
Today, I am reminded that we should all take stock of what we say and how we say it. Our words spoken to others can build them up or equally tear them down. Being human, we’ve all been guilty of speaking words that did not serve others well. That being the case, I would also say that most of us would never intentionally hurt another person by our words. We sometimes speak before we think, as our mouth gets ahead of our brain! Consequently, reflecting on our words and their impact is essential, and striving to use them for the good of others and ourselves is vital.
I firmly believe that words spoken in kindness can transform a person’s life—the life of a child, someone down on their luck, someone experiencing tough times, or someone who needs encouragement. I will never forget the many kind words spoken to me and the encouragement I have received during my lifetime. These words have strengthened me in all areas of my life, especially in my faith. Proverbs 18:4, NLT, says, “A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.” I love the analogy of a bubbling brook as I visualize and experience God’s peace and contentment deep in my soul. Isn’t that what we all long for? I only wish the woman at breakfast that day had known and applied these words to her heart.
Today, don’t let the memory of harsh or unkind words have power over you. You are deeply loved and of great value to others. More importantly, you are loved immensely by our Heavenly Father, who created you for His good purposes. I pray that you will go about your day speaking softly and carrying the light of Jesus wherever you go. Trust me; you and others will be better off when you do.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, unkind words seem so familiar in our culture today, and that breaks my heart. Your name is often thrown around as if it were meaningless, especially by those who don’t know Jesus as Savior. We pray that Your Holy Spirit will convict and redirect the thoughts of those who speak disrespectfully out of anger or mere habit. May their anger be replaced with words of kindness and understanding for others. Help us, as followers of Jesus Christ, to be more aware of our responses to others and always keep our hearts and minds in check with what pleases You. We love You and thank You for loving us as You do. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen
