Words Have Power

I never cease to be amazed when God knows just what words I need to hear, and what truths my children need. My older kids and husband are very quick witted and extremely funny with quips in abundance. Yet, these always need to be tapered with grace in not offending others or repentance if they do so unintentionally. I have been convicted (again and again) that I need to use my words as an encouragement and not to tear down. My adopted son M tries so very hard to be funny, but too often it ends up with him flat on his face. I pray that he will learn to use the strengths God has given HIM, and not be an imitation of someone else. 


I hope you will take time to read these words from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (from this link).


FRIDAY

August 3

Watch your words diligently. Words have such great power to bless or to wound. When you speak carelessly or negatively, you damage others as well as yourself. This ability to verbalize is an awesome privilege, granted only to those I created in My image. You need help in wielding this mighty power responsibility.

Though the world applauds quick-witted retorts, My instructions about communication are quite different: Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.Ask My Spirit to help you whenever you speak. I have trained you to pray--"Help me, Holy Spirit"--before answering the phone, and you have seen the benefits of this discipline. Simply apply the same discipline to communicating with people around you. If they are silent, pray before speaking to them. If they are talking, pray before responding. These are split-second prayers, but they put you in touch with My Presence. In this way, your speaking comes under the control of My Spirit. As positive speech patterns replace your negative ones, the increase in your Joy will amaze you.

Proverbs 12:18; James 1:19; Ephesians 4:29