Words

Blessings...Curses...we should tremble at the power of words. I have used words to bless and encourage and build up those I love and even strangers. I have also used words to curse, slander, gossip and tear down those I love...and yes, even strangers...just probably not to their face.

I am reminded of the first time I remember God showing me the power of my words. I had just finished "flipping out"...(yelling, fussing, ranting, etc.....all in the name of 'correction') at my young three year old son. His tender heart broken....from the carelessness, tone and volume of my words. The Lord rebuked me. I saw my lack of self-control and the power of my words to break down, manipulate, and control. On my knees....I asked for help and forgiveness.

God has much to say in the bible about 'words'.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Proverbs 16:24

I have found that my actions and what comes out of my mouth are usually the overflow of what is in my mind and heart. Scary. How much more do we need to fill our mind with God's truth, His words, and peace!

Thank you Jesus for your grace! And I second what Satisfied said yesterday....we are in progress. So no guilt here....just acknowledgement and a desire to grow and change to be more like Jesus.

The Lord reveals our sin so that we can change. He shows us in his word the power of His words!

...if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Psalm 119:15-16

Thank you Jesus for being our Word in the flesh....God's way of communicating His great love for us.....Thank you for giving us your word so that we can live.....and live abundantly!