We are not always very careful with our words. Maybe we do not realize how powerful they can be, and what influence they can have. Words can build up, or tear down. Words can be a warm embrace, or a stab in the back.
(James 3:7-10 NLT) “People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!”
How many of us can still remember hurtful words that were spoken to us long ago? Those words have power, to shape our lives. I have observed people whose lives have been prone to failure, and much of the cause can be traced back to words that have been spoken to them. “You are no good. You will never amount to anything. You’re stupid/fat/ugly/a bad mother/a fool.”
(Proverbs 18:21 MSG) “Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit--you choose.”
What can we do about negative words? 1. We can choose not to let them influence us. Like a duck sheds water from its feathers, let those words just slide off you. Do not receive them into your heart. I know that is hard to do, but God can be your protection.
(Psalm 27:5 NLT) “For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
2. We can fill our minds and hearts with what God says about us. If we are focused on the truth of what God says about us, we will be less likely to be influenced by the curses of others.
(Psalm 16:8 NLT) “I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.” 3. We can decide that we will not be someone who speaks curses and negativity to others, because what we sow, we will reap.
(Psalm 34:1 KJV) “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
4. If we really want to be free from these curses, we must forgive those who have hurt us. Unforgiveness is far harder on us than on the one we will not forgive. Holding on to the hurt will continue to give it power over you.
(Matthew 6:14-15 MSG) "In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.”
Two often we say things without thinking thank you for sharing this post
In Christs Love
Michelle~
Good post, cool pic...thanks for your prayers for Debbie!
Mike
Thank you Mae ~ people just don't realise how powerful the tongue is......we need to be aware. We have been made in the image of God.....and He spoke things into being.....just thought provoking. I think it is easier to shake those things off as we get older....it is what often happens in the earlier years that tends to go along with us into later life and it is sometimes hard to shake those things off. Every now and then it raises it's ugly little head you know...the feelings of inadequecy etc. But God is sooooooo amazing!! Bless you my friend!
@Neeka1 - Yes, I believe our spoken words have power to create. Here in Denmark, one of the curses people say (don't ask me why, cuz it's awful!) is CANCER EAT ME! Now, why would anyone want to say something like that? I guess it makes about as much sense as asking God to damn something, huh? Anyway, Denmark has a very high rate of death by cancer. Kinda makes you think, doesn't it?
We always have a choice: Believe the truth or believe the lie. Great reminder. We so often let people act as our measuring rod, defining who we are. Thanks for the reminder.
People everywhere are using words to hurt each other. Maybe it's because the law doesn't step in to protect too much when words are used. But as God's children it's very important to use wise words and I have had to again go back and say sorry to a friend I know was hurt by my words that held attitude and caused a distance between us. To me a sorry is worth the relationship, and sadly I see people all around me who are afraid to admit they were wrong and it's a huge downfall in the human race. With all my heart I want God to reveal areas where I hurt others so I can make it right...so that my life can represent Christ. Great post...we all can use it!
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, oh Lord.......
what if I'm the one who has said something mean about someone? I feel bad and apologize but the damage is already done. It just erupts sometimes. Anger,hurt and I know about God so I have no excuse. Just at the end of the day -I say,"how could I have handled that differently? " start another day and everything looks better in the morning
Very true..thank God for forgiveness. That's a great picture!!!
@Jillycarmel - You are right that words once spoken cannot be put back in the mouth like they never happened. An apology is good, but how much better to not have said them at all. I'm glad, too that every day we get a new chance to do better than we did yesterday!
What an interesting illustration!
I needed this post YESTERDAY!!! ;) grateful for God's mercy, new every morning, and today I can walk in obedience and choose to let my words edify instead of tear down.
LOVE that picture. so cool! and good mental picture~
Forgivness is healing. It's very tangible in the confessional. There is a reason we celebrate this sacrament in our church!
Thank you for this devotional.
I really enjoyed this post!
Do remember that little SS song... "Oh be careful little mouth what you say...."
Words may not "break our bones," but they can break our spirits, which is much worse.
I am inpressed! Thou shall practice what they preach!
WORDS... are my love language. They seem to do greater damage and greater healing for me than anything else. Good thoughts. I like the picture. I have a picture of a boy from church camp that walked in front of a projector that was projecting Bible verses. You can see his outline,but he is all words. It is a cool photo!
Thanks Mae, glad you liked the video!!
wonderful devotional and cool picture. We are at warfare with words over here...it is mainly a product of dementia with our Grandpa, but directed at David. Thanking the Lord for His protection and help in this! The Word of the Lord brings calmness, healing,and truth...it is amazing. The spirit of the Lord in Grandpa is stronger than the illness, we are so thankful.
Great post Mae.. thanks for sharing. I was gonna tell Mike the same thing you did about his video.. but you beat me to it Hahahahaha... great minds think alike !
Phil
That is why my mama always said, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all... I should really listen to my mama more...
Good to be reminded of this. #4 especially for me today.
What a neat word picture!!
One of my biggest struggles is with my tongue and I'm mindful of it! I hear people who pay no never mind to what they say and it is soooo cruel--it makes me shudder.
I do want to be the kind of person who blesses with my words and is properly equipped to reject words from others when they are not for building up. Thanks for the practical advice wrapped in the most practical Book there is!
We are not always very careful with our words. Maybe we do not realize how powerful they can be, and what influence they can have. Words can build up, or tear down. Words can be a warm embrace, or a stab in the back. 
Comments (35)
Two often we say things without thinking thank you for sharing this post
In Christs Love
Michelle~
Good post, cool pic...thanks for your prayers for Debbie!
Mike
Thank you Mae ~ people just don't realise how powerful the tongue is......we need to be aware. We have been made in the image of God.....and He spoke things into being.....just thought provoking. I think it is easier to shake those things off as we get older....it is what often happens in the earlier years that tends to go along with us into later life and it is sometimes hard to shake those things off. Every now and then it raises it's ugly little head you know...the feelings of inadequecy etc. But God is sooooooo amazing!! Bless you my friend!
@Neeka1 - Yes, I believe our spoken words have power to create. Here in Denmark, one of the curses people say (don't ask me why, cuz it's awful!) is CANCER EAT ME! Now, why would anyone want to say something like that? I guess it makes about as much sense as asking God to damn something, huh? Anyway, Denmark has a very high rate of death by cancer. Kinda makes you think, doesn't it?
We always have a choice: Believe the truth or believe the lie. Great reminder. We so often let people act as our measuring rod, defining who we are.
Thanks for the reminder.
People everywhere are using words to hurt each other. Maybe it's because the law doesn't step in to protect too much when words are used. But as God's children it's very important to use wise words and I have had to again go back and say sorry to a friend I know was hurt by my words that held attitude and caused a distance between us. To me a sorry is worth the relationship, and sadly I see people all around me who are afraid to admit they were wrong and it's a huge downfall in the human race. With all my heart I want God to reveal areas where I hurt others so I can make it right...so that my life can represent Christ. Great post...we all can use it!
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, oh Lord.......
what if I'm the one who has said something mean about someone? I feel bad and apologize but the damage is already done. It just erupts sometimes. Anger,hurt and I know about God so I have no excuse. Just at the end of the day -I say,"how could I have handled that differently? " start another day and everything looks better in the morning
Very true..thank God for forgiveness. That's a great picture!!!
@Jillycarmel - You are right that words once spoken cannot be put back in the mouth like they never happened. An apology is good, but how much better to not have said them at all. I'm glad, too that every day we get a new chance to do better than we did yesterday!
What an interesting illustration!
I needed this post YESTERDAY!!! ;) grateful for God's mercy, new every morning, and today I can walk in obedience and choose to let my words edify instead of tear down.
LOVE that picture. so cool! and good mental picture~
Thank you for this devotional.
I really enjoyed this post!
Do remember that little SS song... "Oh be careful little mouth what you say...."
Words may not "break our bones," but they can break our spirits, which is much worse.
I am inpressed! Thou shall practice what they preach!
WORDS... are my love language. They seem to do greater damage and greater healing for me than anything else. Good thoughts. I like the picture. I have a picture of a boy from church camp that walked in front of a projector that was projecting Bible verses. You can see his outline,but he is all words. It is a cool photo!
Thanks Mae, glad you liked the video!!
wonderful devotional and cool picture. We are at warfare with words over here...it is mainly a product of dementia with our Grandpa, but directed at David. Thanking the Lord for His protection and help in this! The Word of the Lord brings calmness, healing,and truth...it is amazing. The spirit of the Lord in Grandpa is stronger than the illness, we are so thankful.
Great post Mae.. thanks for sharing. I was gonna tell Mike the same thing you did about his video.. but you beat me to it Hahahahaha... great minds think alike !
Phil
That is why my mama always said, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all... I should really listen to my mama more...
Good to be reminded of this. #4 especially for me today.
What a neat word picture!!
One of my biggest struggles is with my tongue and I'm mindful of it! I hear people who pay no never mind to what they say and it is soooo cruel--it makes me shudder.
I do want to be the kind of person who blesses with my words and is properly equipped to reject words from others when they are not for building up. Thanks for the practical advice wrapped in the most practical Book there is!
Speaking of words....those are good ones!