I've been thinking lately about the power of our words; to build up or tear down. Proverbs 18:21 tells us, the tongue has the power of life and death. It sounds so incredibly simple, but we do have within us the ability to bless and encourage others simply by what we say and how we say it. But, too often I find that is easier said than done. Not surprisingly, the Bible says...no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. (James 3:8-10)
To live by faith requires making choices; in this case, the choice to use our words for good, to speak hope and life into another. The soothing tongue is a tree of life. (Proverbs 15:4) Everyday we have the opportunity to speak kind words, gentle words, hope-filled words; words the express appreciation and words that heal and inspire.
Recently I was watching television program in which the main character had a mantra that guided his leadership, 'how can I help'? There are so many of these kinds of words / phrases that, when spoken, have a powerful and lasting impact on those who receive them. As I thought about this, several words and phrases came to mind:
"I'm praying for you"
"You can do it"
"Is there anything you need?"
"I'm here for you"
"I'll be there"
"You can count on me"
Words of common courtesy like "please" and "thank you"
Around Valley we often say "we'll make it work"
"We serve as a team"
"I love you"
"I'm sorry"
In all of this I am reminded again of God's words to me: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine...you are precious and honored in my sight...I love you. (Isaiah 43:1,4) How precious are the words of God to us!
As you think about the power of our words, I wonder, what are those words / phrases that you have spoken or heard that have blessed and encouraged your and inspired others. Please use the comment section below or send an email to pass along those words / phrases that we might encourage one another as we continue to do life together and spur one another on to love and good deeds.
To live by faith requires making choices; in this case, the choice to use our words for good, to speak hope and life into another. The soothing tongue is a tree of life. (Proverbs 15:4) Everyday we have the opportunity to speak kind words, gentle words, hope-filled words; words the express appreciation and words that heal and inspire.
Recently I was watching television program in which the main character had a mantra that guided his leadership, 'how can I help'? There are so many of these kinds of words / phrases that, when spoken, have a powerful and lasting impact on those who receive them. As I thought about this, several words and phrases came to mind:
"I'm praying for you"
"You can do it"
"Is there anything you need?"
"I'm here for you"
"I'll be there"
"You can count on me"
Words of common courtesy like "please" and "thank you"
Around Valley we often say "we'll make it work"
"We serve as a team"
"I love you"
"I'm sorry"
In all of this I am reminded again of God's words to me: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine...you are precious and honored in my sight...I love you. (Isaiah 43:1,4) How precious are the words of God to us!
As you think about the power of our words, I wonder, what are those words / phrases that you have spoken or heard that have blessed and encouraged your and inspired others. Please use the comment section below or send an email to pass along those words / phrases that we might encourage one another as we continue to do life together and spur one another on to love and good deeds.
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