Words That Stick

While I watch the snow fall from the sky this morning, some sticking to the ground, some disappearing as soon as it hits the ground, I can't help but relate it to the words we speak. The words we speak have been a theme in our home lately - speak kindly, don't use a harsh tone, walk away before you get too angry with your brother…The old saying "sticks & stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" is just a flat out lie. I'm sure whomever came up with it had good intentions, but quite frankly, like the snow - some words just stick. 

Words ARE powerful. God SPOKE the entire universe into existence. The WORD became flesh in Jesus. 

"In the beginning the Word already existed.

    The Word was with God and the Word was God." John 1:1

If we are, through salvation, one with Jesus - one with Christ - THE ETERNAL WORD - isn't that enough of a reason to be mindful of the simple words that come out of our mouths? Shouldn't we pause and RESPOND instead of immediately REACTING to certain situations? I know this is easier said than done, especially in the moment, however, I think if we all started to become more intentional with the words we speak, we could create a better environment in our home and our relationships. 

Our words are sneaky, especially the inner dialogue we have with ourselves. You know, the stuff you don't actually say out loud but you KNOW you think it…those proud thoughts, those thoughts of judgement. Or maybe you DO say them, they seem pretty harmless because some of them roll so easily out of our mouth like:

"I would NEVER…"

"HOW could she…."

"I can't believe he/she did that…."

"If that were MY kid…." 

These statements, whether kept to ourselves or said out loud are careless and hurtful - to BOTH the person expressing them and the person receiving them. Its time that we begin taking responsibility for not only our actions but our words that we speak to and about others. 

"Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." Romans 12:3

No matter who you are talking to, whether in person or online, it may help to pause and ask yourself a couple of questions - Is what I'm about to say going to condemn or encourage? What is my motive? Am I handling this situation like I would handle their heart or am I simply reacting? 

I know this is sometimes easier said than done - especially after you've cleaned all day only to find the room you started in completely demolished again - or dealing with the super opinionated person in your family. BUT we have to remember we don't have to do it alone. 

"So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do." 

2 Thessalonians 1:11

Whether you begin to become intentional about the words you speak or not - the fact remains that you are still a representative of Christ. Just like the falling snow, you can choose words that stick or words that disappear. I pray the ones that stick are positive.

Lord, we pray in Jesus name that this day is yours. May the words that we speak honor you and be worthy of the call you have on our life. Help us to not think more highly of ourselves than we ought to and to take captive every thought and make it obedient to you. Help us to encourage those that you put in our path today. Amen.

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