Words Can Cut Deep

Once upon a time, Terry and I fought over the last bite of my sandwich! Now, often in those early years of marriage, I would share whatever I could not finish on my plate. But this time, I wanted it all and replied with harshness. This, of course, offended him, to which he responded, "I would not eat that bite now if it were the last morsel of food left on the planet. Yeah, not our finest moment! 

Proverbs 18:21 (Message) states, "Words kill, words give life. They are either poison or fruit--you choose." The fact is, words can bring death or life to the heart. They can even become a lingering voice that repeatedly replays in one's head for years to come.   

" There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."  (Proverbs 12:18 ESV)  Our snappiness hurts when what we truly desire is to use words wisely so they can be healing agents.

Do I want to be one whose words quickly fly out with storms of discouragement? Or do I choose to empower others with fresh showers of encouragement? 

God's word (Proverbs 18:21) tells me that I have the power to choose. An old Chinese proverb reads, "Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts become your words. Be careful of your words, for your words become your actions." Honestly, my speech is just an indication of my heart. 

Therefore, today, I am choosing to reflect on Paul's advice, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are noble, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8 NKJ) As my thoughts focus on what is true, my words reflect what is in my heart.

If you, like me, struggle with words sometimes, be encouraged. We will not always get it right. However, we can humble ourselves, ask for forgiveness, and start over—with God and with our loved ones. I took steps to correct this error with my Terry. A heartfelt and straightforward act of asking him to forgive went a long way. Tension subsided for us both. We also talked it through to realize there was so much more to the 'fight' than the sandwich. Our words triggered deep fear/wounds from the past in each of us. As we humbled ourselves and shared our hearts, we gained precious insights that helped us better understand each other. 

Do you need to be intentional with your speech today? Words of encouragement, hope, and strength are ours for the speaking! Let us be wise women with healing words for our family and friends.

Psalm 19:14, "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." (NLT)

Blessings Today!