Your words matter. What you say to others, and what you say to yourself.
In the Bible, the book of Proverbs (18:21) insightfully observes that “death and life are in the power of the tongue . . .”
Words penned 3,000 years ago still as true today as then– perhaps even truer, due to the overly coarse and verbally harsh nature of our culture (at least here in the US).
Words hurt, and words heal.
YOUR words. MY words.
Our words are packed with power, and often (usually?) we’re not as dialed into this fact as we need to be.
I’ve seen simple words crush people. I’m sure you’ve seen it too, or have even been the one crushed.
Something that takes 3 seconds to say sometimes takes 3 months to heal.
Are some people too sensitive? Sure, and they need to figure out how to heal and not let these words “get inside” of them so much. But in the meantime, let’s not go out of our way to step on people’s brokenness.
Words can also heal, like nothing else can. I’ve experienced many times how basic empathy, compassionately given, brings people to tears (healing tears). And that’s “just” empathy.
What about words of encouragement? They have the power to lift our spirits and give renewed strength–we’ve all experienced this. And we all long for this (even if we don’t admit it).
What about words of comfort? Have you ever had someone say just the right thing when you were really struggling through something?
What about words of inspiration? Hearing these kinds of words motivate us and fire us up.
Indeed, words are powerful. There’s enough death and destruction out there. As your mother probably told you, “If you don’t have anything good to say about someone, don’t say anything”.
Instead, use your words to build up, encourage, and inspire.
And keep in mind that “death and life” are in the power of YOUR tongue.