Be careful of what you say

A wise man once said, “Words have power. It can bring to greater heights when spoken kindly, and it can put a person down when it is spoken harshly.” It is in this note that I would like to share with you what a certain Joey wrote in the book, “Living Water 2012."

"I read about this pastor who got sick. He prayed fervently, confessed the promises in Scripture and aggressively waged spiritual warfare. But he didn’t get any better. Finally, he knelt before the Lord to ask what was wrong. The Lord reminded him of an instance when he spoke in a demeaning manner against a fellow minister. This pastor saw the point and repented. Immediately, he received his healing.

"Ever since I read this, I have been very cautious about what comes out of my mouth regarding other people. Whenever I catch myself even remotely saying anything negative about anybody, I quickly ask for forgiveness…”

I remember years ago, a relative of my late husband attempted to end her life when her aunt scolded her fiercely. She went to her room and didn’t come out after two hours. When her brother called her, she didn’t answer. This made her brother forcibly opened the door. She was lying on the floor with curtains stuffed in her mouth. His brother’s timely action saved her life.

Cristiane Cardoso of “blogs.universal.org" commented, "The words we say have the power of defining our path in this world. Although a lot has been taught about the way we speak, what’s good and what’s not, a majority of people ignore this and let their tongue free to say curse words about themselves or people around them. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and that he that loves it shall eat of his fruit." (Proverbs 18:21)

There are reasons why we have to be careful on what we say. Dr. Debi Smith on her website cites the following:

Words can hurt. Think before you speak: Could what you are about to say be experienced as attacking, blaming, or criticizing? Just because you’re hurt does not give you the right to hurt someone in return.

Words can heal. Be kind and gracious toward one another. You may have heard that “hurt people, hurt people.” Consider what might be behind another’s behavior. Chances are they are acting defensively by being offensive.

Words can curse. Assuming the worst about your mate and saying it aloud is the same as pronouncing a curse.

Words can bless. Paul’s admonition to “speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:5) does not give you permission to tell your mate everything wrong with him/her. Be gentle and kind.

Words are creative. What we think — especially what we say — impacts the world around us. And that includes the people you love — as well as the people you don’t. We all believe the world is in more trouble than it’s ever be. Use creative words to make the world a better place.

As a parting shot, here's a food-for-thought by an unknown writer. "One kind word can change someone’s entire day.”