A few years ago, I heard a very prominent pastor degrade a leading woman Bible teacher. I sat there in disbelief listening to the hurtful words. I’m not here to debate the theology behind what he said, although I think it’s important to know what you believe and to be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11) and examine the scriptures.
What I want to talk about is how our words matter, how we say things matters.
Max Lucado says, “Tone matters. It matters in a nation. It matters in a home. And, it matters in the church. When we don’t agree, we must do so in love. Words can wound. Comments have consequences.”
Today more than ever, we need to watch what we say and how we say it. I have been guilty of not watching my words. I have wounded with my words.
While I can repent, I can’t take the words back.
Many people use a tube of toothpaste as an analogy of our words. Once you squeeze the toothpaste out, you can’t put it back in the tube. Our words are like toothpaste. Once the words leave your mouth, you can’t take them back.
Our words carry weight. We can use our words to hurt, demean, and wound others. Or we can use our words to heal, encourage, and love others.
Scripture has a lot to say about our words.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21
The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4
Evil words destroy one’s friends; wise discernment rescues the godly. Proverbs 11:9
Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. Proverbs 11:12
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24
This week let’s be intentional with our words. Let’s use our words to heal, encourage, and love.
Increase Our Love, Lord!
+ view comments . . .