There have been many times in my life where I have been hurt by the words that people say to me or about me. When I was in 6th grade, my best friend and I, at the time, did everything together. We would always have sleepovers, go to school together, watch movies together, etc. Behind my back, she would tell our friends that she did not like me and that she was just hanging out with me because she felt bad if she ended our friendship. She also had told our friends that I was annoying and fake. When our friends came up to me to tell me these things, I felt broken and shattered inside. To this day, I remember the exact moment my friends came to me and told me that she had said all of these things behind my back.
I don't tell this story because I want people to feel bad for me. I tell this story because I want people to know how powerful our words are. People remember the words you say to them. Sadly, like in this instance, I remembered the hurtful things that were said about me in 6th grade. The tongue is powerful and we have to be careful and cautious how we use our words.
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good
for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt,
that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Colossians 4:6
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Prayer Tip #24 - To Speak Words of Love & Life.
Words carry a lot of weight. When we speak to others, we have the ability to build them up or tear them down. As Proverbs 18:21 states, "The tongue has the power of life and death." What comes out on our tongue is what is in our heart and mind. This is why we have to guard what is filling our heart and mind, so that we are able to tame our tongue. We have to train our tongue, think and speak about good things, and be repetitive in giving thanks and praise to the Lord. The tongue can either be the most destructive weapon on earth or it can be the most uplifting and bring some of life's greatest joys.
As you go about your day, be intentional as to what comes out of your mouth. Are you going to build others up or tear others down by what you say? Let your tongue be an instrument of righteousness!
Prayer Points - Pray over these requests:
Pray to speak life and love over others.
Pray to build others up instead of tearing them down.
Pray that you are able to guard your heart and mind against the things of this world.
Pray to fill your heart and mind on things of the Lord.
Suggested Prayer - Pray these words in your heart or out loud:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for who You are. Thank You for Your goodness, Your grace, and Your mercy that I am so underserving of. Father, I ask that You help me to fill my heart and mind on the things of You, so that I am able to speak words of love and life over others. Help me to build others up and not tear them down. May I become more like You in Your love for others! What a great testimony and an ultimate example! Help me to live a life that honors and glorifies You. I love you Lord! In Jesus' Name, Amen.