Reflecting thoughts on .....the power of words.

So also the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A great forest can be set on fire by one tiny spark. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness and poisons every part of the body...and can turn our whole lives into a blazing flame of destruction and disaster. - James 3:5,6 (TLB)

"In James Paul compares our tongues to a ship's rudder...What we talk is where we'll walk. If we use our tongues for good, we will head in the right direction. If we use our tongues for evil, we will steer our ship towards destruction."- Mary A. Kassian

Words are powerful little things. They have the power to hurt and they also have the power to heal. They can help bring peace, or they can stir up anger. They can encourage someone and bring a smile to their face or they can discourage someone and bring tears to their eyes.

I am amazed how little some think before they open their mouth to speak. It is as if they give absolutely no regard for the people's feelings around them. They have a thought and out it comes rolling off the tongue caring not how it may affect the one listening. Proverbs tells us that "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." How true that statement is. Also we are told in this same book of the Bible that, "Out of the abundance of the heart, a man (or woman) speaketh."

When I hear someone say, "oh they didn't mean it." after something harsh has been spoken, I often think of those scriptures. When unkind statements are trivialized as, "well that's just '(name of that person)', that's just how they are", it is as if the one trivializing the remark thinks that no thought whatsoever should be given to the unkind words that were just spoken because their beloved "so and so" said it.
Sorry, I don't get it. Words do affect people...positively or negatively.

As a child, I can remember playing on the playground and hearing an unkind exchange of words between two classmates at recess. One was saying something mean, and the one who was insulted replied, "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." I thought "WOW! nice come back.." The older I got, I realized there was really no truth in that statement. Words can hurt...deeply. They won't hurt physically, however, emotionally they can hurt tremendously.

For someone like me who loves poetry, music, beautiful songs, compliments, encouraging words, and who's primary love language is "words of affirmation" (Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman); I have to say....I really believe that more teaching and education should be given in today's generation about how to be kind, mannerly, respectful, and about how to think before speaking, and choosing appropriate content in conversations.

Ephesians tells us that "evil communications corrupt good morals (manners)" I believe more than ever that this is true. Be careful who you hang around. Their influence in your life is greater than you realize. Proverbs warns, "Do not keep company with an angry man, lest you learn his ways." It is so important that we be an example in word and deed and live a life that sets a positive guideline for others. Ephesians also says we should be "kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another." This really is good advice.

For those of us who have been pierced by reckless words and have experienced the bruise of an unkind attitude, we must forgive, and let go of the offenses. We must learn by our pain to treat others more respectfully than we may have formerly been treated. It is not our place to pass on the harsh words or treatment but rather to cease from anger and to be agents of healing. May we think before we speak, and choose to offer words of hope, comfort, love, and encouragment. -And even when we must bring correction to a loved one or a team member, may it be with positive energy to inspire goodness.

These are just a few things on my heart this morning. Hope it helps someone somewhere dealing with the pain of verbal irresponsiblity from another. Speak something kind to someone today. Be the change you are looking for!