Scriptures:
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Matthew 12:34-37 KJV
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 3:4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. James 3:2-6 KJV
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We use, misuse, abuse, and take words for granted on a regular basis. We say whatever we want to say, whenever we want to say it, to whomever we choose! Ever so often, we pat ourselves on the back for taking the higher road of passive aggression... After all, we could have been ACTIVELY aggressive.... but the passivity is demonstrative of our meekness, our humbleness, our Christianity, our holiness.....right???
People ask us how we are or we ask them, barely caring or waiting long enough to hear a response. If we do wait for the response, it's a thoughtless "good" or a barrage of negativity. Words wasted.
The power of a genuine, well-placed "please" and "thank you" are immensely underestimated in nowadays we all feel so entitled to what we have not earned.
Sometimes our conversations are predominantly shock-laced, idolizing the most controversial and discouraging news and current events. If we're not careful.... words become wasted.
We have short tempers and we are easily irked...especially in rush hour traffic. Sometimes we mutter a little something-something under our breath.... or in our heart... words wasted.
When we communicate with children, we disproportionately compliment their appearance ("sooo cuutee"..."nicee outfit!") versus complimenting and encouraging something that they actually have power over like their hard-work, determination, grit or helpfulness. Words wasted.
Sometimes our conversations are predominantly shock-laced, idolizing the most controversial and discouraging news and current events. If we're not careful.... words become wasted.
We have short tempers and we are easily irked...especially in rush hour traffic. Sometimes we mutter a little something-something under our breath.... or in our heart... words wasted.
When we communicate with children, we disproportionately compliment their appearance ("sooo cuutee"..."nicee outfit!") versus complimenting and encouraging something that they actually have power over like their hard-work, determination, grit or helpfulness. Words wasted.
We murmur, complain, talk trash and throw verbal shade that sometimes may be warranted and sometimes is simply our response to folks shining on us... or perhaps we become frustrated because someone doesn't or WON'T shine... I've been guilty of this.... sometimes people you love or want to see succeed seem to not want to do better or even try... (insert brash words of "encouragement" here).
Strangers, acquaintances friends, saints, sinners, colleagues, family, children, adults, and elderly, the haves and the have-nots... consider the various categories of people that you encounter on a daily basis. Are we more inclined to use our words to speak positivity and encouragement to some versus others? Have our verbal actions revealed that some are worth the words while others are not? Have we examined this proclivity?
Click for Supporting Scriptures:
Proverbs 21:23 ~Soul Check
1 Corinthians 10:10 ~Murmuring=Destruction
Philippians 2:14 ~Warning
Be intentional with your words today. Compliment friends and strangers. Allow your words to give life to the lifeless. Invite your words to provide encouragement to the discouraged and peace to the restless and wrathful. With your words today, show compassion to the apathetic and share hope with the hopeless. God IS his Word.... are we ours?
Let's speak the kind of words we want to be!
#TODforGod #BetterLover
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