Words are powerful. They can do great harm or great good. They have massive effect on the people we speak them to. Harsh, divisive or cruel words wreak havoc in our relationships, our business endeavours and our spiritual influence. Kind, endearing, caring words help prosper our relationships, our business endeavours and our spiritual influence.
Being kind makes good relationship sense. It’s good business sense. And it’s good sense for those who bear the name of Christ. Someone said, “Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.” Let’s carefully choose our words today so that our “conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt.” (Col 4:6)
This applies to every area of our lives. But let’s apply it to families for a moment. We are doing a series right now in our church on the whole area of family. I believe one of the reasons families are a source of so much pain in our day is because of the poisonous words that are harsh and cruel spoken in our homes. What if our homes were filled with kind, endearing, and caring words only? What if we stopped making excuses for hurtful speech and just stopped doing it? What if it was outlawed from today forward at your house? What if the air of your home was filled with the sound waves of gracious, loving speech? I believe it would revolutionize our family lives. Who wants to give it a try?
I’m in.
I spend a lot of time at home. I love my family. I will endeavour this day and forward to speak only what is life-giving and never what might tear down in my home. I will be a part of what makes my home a strong, nurturing, healthy environment.
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Pet 3:15,16
“When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.” Eph. 4:29
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Eph. 4:31-32
