Power of the Tongue

‘We need to talk’, those words struck fear in my heart! Whenever my supervisor used that statement, 100% of the time it meant I had done something he was not happy about. I had never been so beaten down by words in my life, to the point where it had significant impact on my self worth.

That was one of the most difficult periods I had ever experienced. I felt like I could do very little right even though I was heralded as a knowledgeable, articulate and consummate professional. It would take a few years for me to regain my confidence after I left that assignment. All because of one persons words.

This became an object lesson in NOT how to act as a leader, supervisor, parent or husband. It would help shape how I spoke to those I led during the rest of my military career, my family and people in general from that time forward.

‘Speak Life’, by Toby Mac, is a popular song on Christian radio. There is one line that sums up everything we need to know about how our words impact those around us, ‘Look into the eyes of the brokenhearted; watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope; you speak love; you speak…you speak life.’

Be aware of your words as you walk through life today, do they speak life or death to those around you?

Blessings

Power of the Tongue
by Os Hillman

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21

Words have the power to motivate or destroy, energize or deflate, inspire or create despair. Many successful executives can remember the time their father failed to give affirmation to them as a child. The result was either overachievement to prove their worth, or underachievement to prove he was right.

Many a wife has lost her ability to love because of a critical husband. Many a husband has left a marriage because of words of disrespect and ungratefulness. Stories abound regarding the power of words. There are just as many stories of those who have been encouraged, challenged, and comforted with words that made a difference in their lives.

Jesus knew the power of words. He used parables to convey His principles of the Kingdom of God. He used words of forgiveness and mercy. He used words to challenge. He used words to inspire His disciples to miraculous faith.

Do your words give life? Do they inspire and challenge others to greatness? Who does God want you to encourage through your words today? Affirm someone close to you today.