“A soft answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
Words, and how they are said, set the tone in our homes. Have you stopped to listen to the tone in your home lately? I did. I listened to those around me and I paid close attention to what came out of my own mouth. I saw some patterns that were good and others that I didn’t like.
Taking inventory of the words spoken in our homes is a good exercise especially when we inventory ourselves along with it. Sometimes we don’t even realize what has crept in or what is missing. Tones of disapproval, sarcasm, or annoyance can wrap the words we say and impact the way they are received often creating an edge of hostility. Or tones reflecting kindness, caring and gratitude can bring the opposite attitude into our homes.
One winter we cut out the shape of a sword and a Band-Aid and taped these on our refrigerator door to remind our family that our words can bring hurt or healing. They can sting and cut or they can strengthen and build. Words are very powerful. The tones they are spoken in imply so much. A soft answer can turn away anger but harsh words can stir it up. Words and tones create the atmosphere in your home. Start with yourself and watch the results. You won’t be disappointed as you invest intentionally in your words and your tones.
Father God, In these hurried and changing times we live in, I want our home to be an oasis where we can refuel to face the challenges of our days. Please help me to be aware of my words. Help me to inventory the words and tones in our home and to become the change agent to move the bar higher. I need Your help, Lord. Remind me to speak softly and kindly and to model the words and tones that can change the atmosphere in our home. Thank you Lord. I ask this in the name of Jesus, amen.
By Gail Rodgers
used by permission
FURTHER READING
- Words – Thoughts by Katherine Kehler
- The Power of Kind Words by Laura Rath
- Lessons from Life: Words – by Mike Woodard