Words....

Words are the one thing humans have over any other creature on this earth as a way to express ourselves. The ability to speak and communicate is a God given gift reserved only for us. But words can also be the biggest source of destruction known to man. As I was thinking about this post I was searching the bible for a good verse or two to reference. Problem was, the bible is full of warnings of what the tongue can do when used in a way not intended by God. And the place God was bringing me to as I wrote this was not how many times I have been wronged by someone else's words, but how many times have I wronged others. Shamefully I can admit that my tongue used to be my weapon. I used it because my heart was in the wrong place and I let my mind take over. And looking back it was always because the way I felt was always more important than the person I was unleashing my tongue on. No, I am not talking about curse words...I am just talking about words that hurt, words that tear down, words that discourage. None of these uses of the tongue were what God intended. And the thing I have learned is that the tongue, and the words we use, are a direct reflection of our heart. Over the past year I have allowed God to change me in ways I didn't think were possible. And when I am confronted by someone where I know I would have lashed out, or lashed back at before, and I don't... is when I know God has changed me the most. Thank you God!
Some places in the bible to reference this topic is Proverbs 21:23, Ecclesiastes 3:7, James 1:26, Matthew 12:36-37 and Proverbs 18:21. These are just a few verses that let us know the power our tongue holds. However, the one that probably stands out to me the most is Proverbs 12:18. I like the way The Message translates it...."Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise". The reason I like this verse so much is because it shows the other side of the tongue. Yes, it can hurt when used wrong...but it can heal when used wisely. It can show love, approval, acceptance, encouragement and so much more when God is the one driving it, not you.
Today, ask God to point out in you the way you use your words. Do you promote God's love with your words? Do you allow the enemy to convince you to feel justified when you lash out? Do you walk away from a confrontation with regret in your heart over the words you used? If you have been hurt by words, then you are already ahead in your healing process because you have felt the affects of a hurtful tongue. Allow God to change your heart so you choose to either be silent, or use words that encourage, build up or promote love. When you do, the feeling you will walk away with is greater than the feeling of any argument you think you have ever "won".