God encourages us to be slow to speak and quick to listen. When we are hurt, frustrated and disappointed, we are often careless about the words we speak. I am sure I have been guilty of this in the past, but something I continually ask the Lord is for wisdom in all that I do and say. Even my students keep me accountable as we spend much time talking about brick and bulldozer words.
It saddens me when people have disagreements, or have been hurt or discouraged, they are so quick to say harsh words. If we really want to bring heaven to earth - light where there is darkness, we should ensure we build each other up with our words, not tear them down.
We often think that talking to people about a situation or person won’t get back to them (especially if we say, ‘please don’t say anything’) but sadly this is not the case. I know of many people who hear harsh words being said about them. My encouragement to you is what I was brought up with, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all!’ Be someone who speaks light not darkness. If you are unhappy about something, go and talk to the person, not about the person.
We all need people in our life for counsel and wisdom, but that shouldn't be many people. If someone comes to me sharing their hurts, disappointments and struggles about a person or situation, I would hope that l help them to take a step forward in restoration. We are not doing anyone any favours by leaving them in that place. Also, if someone came to me because they felt I had hurt them, I would also hope I would shine the light and love of God.
Find the gold people, not the dirt. Remember our words can hurt and destroy. Don’t let them be yours. You have the ability to make somebody’s else’s life better. Somebody might just need your smile, your love, and mostly your words of encouragement.
Dr Caroline Leaf in her daily devotions has encouraged me to choose daily to bring heaven to earth with my thoughts, words and actions. She posed this question which was very challenging that I will leave with you. “Will our thoughts, words and actions last into the new creation, or will they be burned up?”
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