Dare to Use Your Tongue to Bless and Build Up Others
From Faith Dare, Day 25: The Power of Words
That seems so simple, but those words fueled my confidence many times growing up, and during numerous challenges as an adult. They gave me the oomph I sometimes needed to get up and conquer a problem or rise to a challenge. I thank God for wonderful friends and family who have spoken words of blessing and encouragement to me many times that have had a powerful influence in my life.
I have also had many times in which hurtful and negative words have cut me deeply to the core and virtually paralyzed any confidence I might have had. Simple words have at times crushed my sense of self-worth and rendered me powerless.
You see, words really do matter. They can empower a person to do great things, or they can dwindle one’s self-esteem to the point of stagnant uselessness.
Here are some lessons I have learned about words:
The power of life and death is in the tongue. We can build up or tear down. We can cut and maim, or we can soothe and heal. Our words have the power to empower, bless, encourage, edify, and help, or they can destroy, curse, hurt, or demolish. Our words, like one small spark, can start a whole firestorm. One small organ, our tongue, can wreak havoc in a person’s life.
Now, sit back and listen to a message I have prepared concerning the power of our words. I have been unable to upload the video onto the blog, but you can access it through the link under the picture.
- Fill my heart and mind with His Word, positive messages, and intelligent topics so I will have a storehouse inside to draw from for a vocabulary of blessings.
- Break bad habits by replacing unpleasing words with words of life.
- Read good literature and Bible study books.
- Make it a habit to speak and write words of wisdom and bless others with my words. Invest in Pearls for Living to impart Godly wisdom into people’s lives.
- Break automatic habits of criticizing others, especially out loud.
- Use self-control when I am not in the best mood.
- Control my tongue and my moods that may affect my words.
“We all need to realize that our words can wound others.”“Become accountable to God for your mouth.”“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Proverbs 10:19“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18“Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but a foold is consumed by his own lips.” Ecclesiastes 10:12“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19“Keep in mind that it is out of the heart the mouth speaks. So heart and mouth go hand in hand.”“Pay attention to what comes out of your mouth…Refuse to converse in a negative fashion about anyone…Look at your heart attitude, as that is what prompts what you say.”“Look for ways to turn a negative conversation into a positive one. When someone says something negative about someone, counter with something that is more pleasant.”“Dare to listen more and speak less.”“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24“Pleasant words are healing, and I will seek opportunities to use them to give others courage to face the day.”
I love this article and the video too! I carry Proverbs 18:21 in my heart as reminder how to live and speak my words. It's an anchor verse to Christian living. Keep writing, keep making the videos and keep walking as a testimony to God's good work! You are loved! ~Christine