Have you ever been hurt by someone's words? We have all experienced this at some point in our lives. Indeed, it seems that the ones closest to us can sometimes hurt us the most by what they say.
We need to find ways of lifting people up, instead of tearing them down.
Children who are told they are stupid and won't amount to anything develop poor self-esteem. They internalize the criticism they receive and feel hopeless. Even as adults, they lack self-confidence.
Deep down, everyone needs words of affirmation. They want to hear that they are loved, valued, and appreciated. Kind words make us feel like we belong and have a positive effect on our lives.
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18:21 KJV
"The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4 NIV
We have the power to influence people with our words, either in a positive or negative way. We can speak life or we can speak death. Words of love and kindness are like an oasis in the desert. They refresh our spirit and attitude. Words of hate and criticism, on the other hand, are like thorns that pierce the heart. They dampen our spirit and cause a negative attitude.
"Like apples of gold in settings of silver, is a word spoken at the proper time." Proverbs 25:11 NASB
Don't forget that people all around us are going through trials that we know nothing about. A kind word or a smile may help someone make it through another difficult day. Don't rain on someone's parade. Instead, we should try to be the sunshine when someone is having a gloomy day. Speaking a word of encouragement to a hurting heart can bring joy to someone in a hard circumstance.
Speak life to everyone, daughter of God!
Great reminder!