“The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.” Proverbs 15:28
The more I study the meaning of words, the more and more God reveals to me how quick I am to speak without thinking of the effects my words have on others, especially when it comes to my husband. So I came up with an acronym of the word, words. I have done this in hopes that before I allow a word to come out of my mouth or off of my fingertips, I will evaluate them as follows;
Wise and well-chosen
Obedient
Respectful
Discernment
Self-Control
Is this a wise and well-chosen word?
Does this word fall under the obedience of God’s word?
Is it respectful to the person it will be spoken to?
How will this word be discerned?
Is it being used with self-control?
By the time I get done breaking down my words, I will have given the Holy Spirit plenty of time to minister to my heart. I will become more aware of the heart of the intended receiver and I will have thought before I spoke, which is HUGE!
I want my words to be an outpouring of love, encouragement, kindness, and peace at all times. I want my husband and boys to be encouraged and blessed by my words and I want them and everyone else to see and hear Christ.
Therefore, I have challenged myself to really begin thinking on every word. This is my challenge, along with using the acronym, I am going to look at every person I speak to as though their heart is their face. In doing this I will be able to see the effects my words have on their hearts.
If I utter a word about someone, I am going to ask myself,” would I say this to their face if they were standing in front of me and how would this make them feel if they heard it?” If I wouldn’t say it to their face, or if it would hurt them when they did hear it, then I am not going to speak it. Could you imagine if we all did this how different our conversations would be?
Have you realized how much easier it is to be hiding behind something or someone when speaking- Text messaging, email, letter, writing? Well friends those typed words are just as hurtful, powerful, and in need of being checked as our spoken words.
Everything you say has an effect on someone.
Prayer: Lord make me stop and think about the heart of those who will hear or read my words. Make me always stop and allow the Holy Spirit to take control and speak for me. Amen
