Words have power

Recently I was in the company of someone who used foul language. I’m not accustomed to this type of talk because I had a southern mama who saw to it that her children used more appropriate words when they communicated. (In other words, soap would have been involved if mama heard any foul language used.)

The bible seems clear on this subject when in Ephesians 4:29 it says, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. But there are always grey areas, right? What is not appropriate language in some circles seems to be okay in other circles. So, now I’m talking more about appropriate and inappropriate words. My mom was clear on that as well. Words that use God’s name is vain is never okay, but there are some words that are customarily inappropriate as well. I know you get the picture and today’s blog is not able what words we can or cannot use.

Here’s my point. As believers, I’m sad to say, we often concern ourselves with the “don’t use foul language” part of that verse, but turn a deaf ear to the “let your words be an encouragement to those who hear them” part. 

For years now we’ve heard the expression “words have power”. I have “word memories” as far back as elementary school. Some good, but some bad—hard for me to hear over and over in my head. None of the words in my “bad word memory bank” were bad words; they were just words that were meant to criticize, not build up. 

Everyone you meet today needs you to encourage, inspire, motivate or, just, love them with your words. Your best friend in this battle to speak life into others is the Holy Spirit. We can do this by ourselves; we need a helper and that’s the Holy Spirit. If you struggle in this area, get up every morning and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your words that day.  Ask Him to give you wisdom as you discern which words to say in a conversation with your husband, your children, your co-workers. Wherever you struggle, ask for ask. And He will  help you. 

Hugs, Chrys