PROVE MY EDITOR WRONG: My editor said a book with a retired hero and heroine would not sell because of the age of the characters. I self-published my latest book to prove her wrong. “One Last Breath” is now available. Click on the cover to find out how to purchase. Now back to the blog.
What is it with Words?
How often have you stood in line at the grocer only to grumble about the line? Do you think the clerk felt better about your words? What if you had laughed with the woman behind you instead? How would the 
other people have responded? A lot of the way we interact with others and show them the love of Jesus is with words. We might never get a second chance to show our faith.
Words tell others how we feel. They can make a woman blush or a man curl his fists, ready to fight. Words can hurt. They can cause one to love or hate.
Words can also turn others away from Jesus.
How important are our words? In Judges 11:30-31, Jephthah made a vow to the Lord: “If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering. What came out of his door? His daughter, an only child.
We must be careful of our words. We can volunteer for things we do not want to do, then feel miserable the entire time we complete the task.
How often have you said something you’ve regretted? Sometimes our words tumble out faster than our brains work. We end up saying things we never intended, wishing to swallow those words back. But once they’re out, it’s too late.
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Words are pale shadows of forgotten names. As names have power, words have power. Words can light fires in the minds of men. Words can wring tears from the hardest hearts. ― Patrick Rothfuss, Author
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Our words can show humility or they can show pride. They can fix a marriage or break it. They can build up a little boy or destroy him. We all must be careful how we use our words. Before we speak, we should ask “Will what I say help this other person or harm them?” I know it’s hard at times, but that is what God wants us to do. To love others without condemnation.
So the next time you find yourself in a situation where your words are needed, help instead of hurt. Show others Jesus through the words you use each day. Offer kindness instead of anger. Patience instead of irritation. Raise people up instead of cutting them down.
You never know who’s listening to you speak, so be God’s example of love instead of Satan’s example of hate. You might discover those kind words are helping the person looking back at you in the mirror more than anyone else.
If you or someone you know are in need of prayer this week, please let us know. We’d be more than happy to pray for you.
And if this post moved you in some way, please feel free to share it.
