Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Choose Words Carefully

“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.”

-- Matthew 12:36

Careless words. Hateful words. Words meant to harm and tear down. Words meant to criticize and ridicule and wound. Words can seem to innocent, yet they can wield so much power.

Some days I would give just about anything for a kind word. Just a nice comment meant to build me up rather than tear me down. Ever been there before?

Every day we have many opportunities to build someone up. Or tear them down. We can praise someone sincerely for a job well done or we can point out how we could have done it better. We can compliment their flattering outfit or chuckle at the extra pounds. We can see the good or see the bad.
We have a choice and that choice can make so much difference to another person. Think about the person struggling financially. Consider the couple on the verge of divorce. Remember the teenager who feels like a misfit.

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. -- Proverbs 12:25

Worries can fade when kind words are heard. Anxiety can lessen when another person chooses comfort over condemnation.

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. -- Proverbs 16:24

What do you choose? Or do you even choose? Maybe your words are out before you even think about their target. So think before you speak. Consider carefully the words you’re about to send into the world. Choose to build up, to comfort, to be kind and compassionate. Look to Jesus for guidance. Make the right word choices. Somebody’s life might depend on it. Including yours.