Editor’s Note: This is the sixth post in our February Share the Love blog series. Be sure to check out our other posts and don’t miss out on our free downloadable wallpaper!
We have all heard the saying “sticks and stones can break your bones, but words can never hurt you.” I think it is safe to say that we all know that statement is absolutely not true. We know that words hold a lot of power. Why is that?
For starters, the book of Genesis reveals that words have had power from the very beginning of Creation. Genesis 1:3 tell us, “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Think about those words for a second. “God said.” He did not wave his magic wand. He said and creation began. And then, in Genesis 3 we see how the serpent twisted God’s words and sin entered the world. So, in the first three chapters of the first book of the Bible we see how both life-giving and destructive words can be.
The Bible is packed full of verses about the power of our tongues. The power to speak righteousness and wisdom, as well as the power to tear down one another. The books of Psalms and Proverbs alone are filled with verses of caution regarding the damage our tongues can do. Do a quick word study on biblestudytools.com and you will encounter 100+ verses containing the word “tongue.”
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
So, what does this mean for us as women? Simply put, our words have the power to tear down those we love or build them up.
Here are three ways we can use our words to build up those we love:
1. Use our words to encourage and be kind.
When our words are filled with grace and kindness, we are life-giving to those we care about. We inspire, comfort and assure them they are loved. When we use our words to tear others down, be nitpicky or negative, we can easily suck the air out of that relationship.
2. Let our words be filled with truth.
This point is two-fold: Speak truth. Avoid stretching the truth or telling small fibs. Once we start down the road of dishonesty, it is easy to get carried away and use our words in ways that lead us to spiral toward a place we never intended to be.
Let the Word of God flow from our lips. When we speak God’s Truth we fill our homes and conversations with His love and hope. We have the power to share His Truth with our spouses, children, coworkers, friends, and family members. What an incredible opportunity!
3. Choose to worship God with our words.
Changing another dirty diaper, emptying the sink of dishes, going into work... these are all opportunities for us to thank Him for the blessings He has given us—the baby who wears the diaper, the loved ones we share the meals with, the work He’s given us to do and the ability to do them. (Ouch, hello conviction!) When we praise God with our words, our families and friends are blessed as a by-product.
“Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.”
How do you use your words to build people up? What changes can you make to insure your words point others to Christ and share His love?
Meet the Author!
Casey Yates is a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend and speech-language pathologist. Casey loves all things Christmas, British historical fiction, walks, pie and coffee. Lots of coffee.
