What's That You Say?

Take control of what I say, O Lord,
    and guard my lips.

Psalm 141:3 

Words.  Write them on a page and a story can be told.  Words can generate vivid visions in our imaginations.  Words can bring a smile.  Words can express how we feel, what we are thinking, what we want.  Words can guide.  Words can instill fear.  Words can be hurtful.  Words, if properly used, will encourage and lift up others. Words can destroy a reputation with a lie or restore a reputation with truth.

We are all guilty of using words to hurt others whether intentionally or unintentionally. I once had a supervisor that I dreaded every time I heard anything from them because there was so much negativity and condemnation in their words.  Even reaching the point where I would ask, in my mind, "What have I messed up THIS time?" whenever I would receive any communication from them.  That ought not be!

There was a time when I actually prided myself on the sharpness of my sarcasm.  I would use my words like a rapier.  And then I realized just how hurtful my words had become, and that should not be.  Since, I have prayed daily for God to put a guard on my tongue so that the words of my mouth would be pleasing to Him.  Am I always successful?  No, I'm not.  And to those who have been hurt by my words, please accept my apology.  I may not always be successful, but I am still learning.

Most of the time, it's better to be silent and not respond to the negativity rather than to engage it and create more injuries.  Let us join together in using our words to lift up and encourage!  To bless each other! To show kindness to each other!  Use words for their true intention!