Power of Words

Today’s word of wisdom blog is a personal lesson I learned and relearned through the years. I have to laugh when I hear my girls who hated the slogan now spout it off to their own children.

Say what will be a blessing or don’t speak at all!

For whatever reason, I grew up with a critical spirit. As a young adult, I was called out by a friend. Since that day, I have tried to keep my speech from meanness or gossip. I don’t always succeed, but it has become more of a habit. As I try to see life from the other person’s perspective, my harsh thoughts evaporate. As I look inward and ask God to see another person from His loving standpoint, I have an easier time of it. Truly, what comes from the heart spews through the mouth.

Of course, none of this applies to the automated telephone representatives which I consistently have to bless out before I get to speak to a real person!

Back to the speaking to real people –

Amanda and her family went to a Colts game last week where her kids got a real education. All around them were people yelling obscenities at the coaches, players, and refs. They were shocked at that, but the verbal abuse by parents toward their children was extremely disturbing.

Which leads me to a Grammie Rant. What we say to our children and how we define them shapes their lives forever! I’m not saying never correct them, but do it in love by correcting the misbehavior not attacking them personally or their sense of worth. Mold them with kind and uplifting words.

Adult to adult conversation is often a balancing act. What I perceive as a general comment may be taken by the other person as an insult or challenge. The snowball effect after that can be disastrous. Ask for a God filter when speaking with every word sifted through His love and purpose.

The Bible has words of wisdom concerning our speech. I am going to put down a few here. Please take time to search for yourself. Following God’s directions in this matter will make a wonderful difference in your life, attitude, and relationships.

Ephesians 4:29 Say only what is good and helpful to those you are talking to, and what will give them a blessing.  TLB

Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be gracious as well as sensible, for then you will have the right answer for everyone. TLB

Matthew 15:11 You aren’t made unholy by eating nonkosher food! It is what you say and think that makes you unclean. TLB

Psalm 141:3 Help me, Lord, to keep my mouth shut and my lips sealed.  TLB

Proverbs 15:1-2 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels. A wise teacher makes learning a joy; a rebellious teacher spouts foolishness. TLB

Proverbs 15:4 When you speak healing words,  you offer others fruit from the tree of life. But unhealthy, negative words do nothing but crush their hopes. TPT

Blessings to all

KB