This weekend was not at the top of my all time favorites. Have you ever heard the saying, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me”. Well, the truth is they do hurt, sometimes….a lot.
Words have the power to sting to the depths of the soul and wound a heart very deeply. They can create a ripple effect that you are not even aware of, due to whatever a person might be going through. James 3:5-6 tells about the powerful effects of the tongue.
5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Pick your words carefully. Pray before you speak. Ask God to give you the right words that will uplift a person and not tear them down. Jame 3:9-12 describes how God doesn’t want us to be double minded or unstable in our actions and words.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Every day, make a decision to speak only words of kindness in your home. Show your children how important it is to build each other up with words of love. Set and example for them that they will be able to carry on to the next generation.
When words are spoken in anger and hast, how we deal with them, can shape the outcome of our journeys. We have a choice……. we can let the situation control us…or we can control the situation. With God’s help, choose to take control. Choose to rise above.
With the help of my husband, I was reminded of some powerful lessons this weekend. Give the anger over to God, ask Him to take away the hurt. Go to the living water and have Him wash away the stinging words with waves of peace and forgiveness. Once you’ve asked for His peace, accept it and move forward. Focus on the positives in your life and all of the goodness and gifts that God has laid at your feet.
We are counting 1000 gifts in 2012 at a Holy Experience, won’t you join us…….
146. Going to the play “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” with my daughter.
147. My daughter telling me that my opinion matters.
148. Going to a baby shower and seeing old friends.
149. Going to breakfast and antiquing with my husband.
150. My husband’s words of comfort.
151. Making a little baby laugh silly.
152. Talking football with my brother. (Go Seahawks!)
153. Seeing my son’s excitement and smile because he caught four fish.
We are also joining Heavenly Homemakers for Gratituesday.
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Many blessings to you !
Linking With~
Multitudes on Monday
A Handful of Heart
The Better Mom Mondays
On Your Heart Tuesday
Graituesday
Soli Deo Gloria
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I love theater and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is one of my favorite plays.
Your husband has given wise advice. I struggle, too. Oh, how I struggle.
Thanks for splashing me with God’s goodness today. I hope you don’t mind if I wade around a bit to get to know you. This looks like a refreshing place to dip into all good things.
Splashin’
Sarah
http://justsarahdawn.blogspot.com/
Our words can speak life or death! Great reminder to watch what we say!
I LOVE your list!!! Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is one of my ALL time favorite movies!!! Your list is beautiful!
Oh, yes, the words can cause deep wounds. They can also bear witness to the healing power of the gospel, when I remember to confess and ask for forgiveness.
Words are so powerful and your post is such a reminder of that. I know I need to be reminded sometimes. I try to be careful but I do know at times my tongue gets in the way of my brain. 🙂 I am going to work on speaking words of life into others this week.
I’ll be working on it as well!
oh yes. words do matter…as do our decision to let them control us or to give it over. Lovely reminder!
Yes, your post is a good reminder that our words are powerful. I love this line: “Go to the living water and have Him wash away the stinging words with waves of peace and forgiveness.” Beautiful imagery….reframing for me the concept of Jesus being our living water. I’m sorry that the sticks and stones this weekend have hurt you, thanks for using it to encourage us to go to Jesus, too.
Great reminders…you blended the Scripture with great thoughts.
I love the way you approached this subject. I struggle with anger and bitter words more than I’d like to admit. Thank you for this post.
You’re welcome Dottie!
I loved Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, actually I loved all the musicals!
And, how special is #147?!
(Visiting from SDG)
Thank you Kristin! Yes, it was a good play.
Pray before I speak – that’s my challenge. My goal, someday, is to be like Jesus – not saying ANYTHING that the FATHER didn’t tell Him to say! Thanks for your post.
Amen Michelle! My goal as well!
So true! Thanks for this challenging post . . . I may have said this on a previous visit–but I love the pics of your parents and grandparents in the sidebar. And Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is also a favorite!
Thank you for your kind words! I love black and white photos. 🙂
Thanks for a great post.
Thank you for visiting Denise!