power of words | Thoughts About God

The Power of Kind Words

Devotionals — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 08:03:08 +0000

I was reminded today of the importance of a kind word.

A surprise hand-written note in the mailbox…with sweet encouragement…and a thank you. Completely unexpected—and deeply appreciated.

Just one way in which God works through us to reach others.

There is power in the words we speak. They can build up or they can tear down.

There have been so many destroying words in the past year. It’s time for more thoughtful, considerate, uplifting words.

Words that encourage.

Words that promote healing.

Words that show thanks and appreciation.

Words that reflect Jesus.

What if each day we showed kindness with the words we speak?

To our family and friends.

To our co-workers.

To the cashier and fellow shoppers.

To the stranger we cross paths with.

To those who inspire us and embolden us to make a difference in the world around us.

“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Proverbs 16:24 ( NLT)

May we choose our words wisely.

By Laura Rath
Used by Permission

Lessons from Life: Words

Thoughts_About_God — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 08:01:44 +0000

I grew up in an alcoholic home where both my parents drank and were verbally and physically abusive.

There were not a lot words that brought life or encouragement. Maybe that is why I remember two moments so vividly.

When I was in my early teens, a lady who was like a second mother to me said, “Mike, you are a good boy!” I remember thinking, “Am I?” No one had ever said that to me. Those six words gave me a new picture of myself.

When I was attending university, my father said, “One of the neighbors told me that you were on the dean’s list. I’m proud of you.” I can’t remember any other moment quite like that one, in terms of my dad’s words to me.

Solomon says that “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24)

Bring healing and sweetness to someone’s life today through your words. Bring some as well to yourself by embracing what God says about you as His child in Ephesians 1:3-10 and Ephesians 2:10 You are:

1) God’s Best Work/Creation,
2) Chosen/Adopted as His Child,
3) Forgiven and Redeemed as His Wayward and Disobedient Son/Daughter and
4) Blessed with Everything that a Loving Father can give His Child.

by Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

The Power of the Tongue

Thoughts_About_God — Mon, 24 May 2021 08:01:40 +0000

“The tongue has the power of life and death…” Proverbs 18:21

Do you have an encourager? Someone who makes a point of encouraging you?

A person like that brings life to your spirit. Besides my husband, my sister-in-law, June, is my encourager. She inspires me to be the best I can be. I feel energized when I am with her. I’ve never had too much encouragement – have you?

But we all have our share of discouragers as well. A hateful tongue-lashing will do it every time. Someone who hurt you and made you feel like a loser?

For several years I worked with someone organizing outreach events to help reach leadership women in Vancouver. She was sophisticated, influential and a hard worker. Most of the time she was sweet and fun and very effective; however, when things didn’t go her way, she would launch into a deadly tongue-lashing and I would be at the receiving end. I would leave our meeting feeling completely defeated.

Soon I realized I was not the only one who was on the receiving end of these tirades – it was a pattern she had developed. Most of her friends and family began avoiding her. Her deadly tongue brought about the death of many friendships.

Someone said you have to receive at least five compliments to make up for every criticism.

We can build up or we can tear down with our words. Every time we speak we have that power. It is our choice how we are going to use it – for life or for death. We are all guilty of saying hurtful things in a moment of anger or retaliation. (Maybe now would be good time to make a list of the people we have hurt and plan to apologize). On the other hand, we feel good about ourselves when we encourage people and so do they.

This is what James wrote about our tongue:

“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” James 3:5.

Consider the words of Proverbs 12:18:

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Proverbs 25:15:

“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”

Let’s not make excuses for losing our temper and saying hurtful things. Take the time to confess your sin to God and the person you hurt. Decide today to be an encourager.

Father, you give life to us all. Jesus gave His life for all. Enable us to allow Your life to flow through us to those we meet each day. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Speak Life

Devotionals — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 08:03:02 +0000

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

Do you remember this old adage? It would often be heard on a schoolhouse playground as children were teasing each other, pretending not to be bothered by the insults that came their way.

But our pretending doesn’t end with childhood; as adults, we try to convince ourselves that the sting of sharp words does not affect us. The truth is, we are deeply wounded by the verbal abuse we encounter on a daily basis. And we’re not immune to being abusers ourselves. As we interact with others, we must choose daily whether we will use our words to bring hurt or healing.

James 1:9 summed it up best by saying

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”.

As born again believers, the nature of God should help govern our hearts and minds. It is up to us to choose words that are not offensive to God and our neighbors.

My challenge to you today is to begin to focus on what is going on in your heart. Luke 6:45 tells us that out of the abundance of the heart, our mouth speaks. Have you paid much attention to this connection? If you are housing bitterness, anger, or resentment, you are sure to spew out poison towards others that cross your path. Our words can either heal or destroy relationships. It is up to us to determine the outcome we desire.

Father, forgive us for not always paying attention to the words we speak. May we allow You to create within us a clean heart and renew within us a right spirit. Let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, oh Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission