Words

There are some verses I have been meditating on and praying about. Words have hurt me in life way more than any kind of physical illness. Words sink deep into our souls and sometimes take a lifetime to get over. Reading these scriptures over and over again remind me of how I want to speak life into those around me. As much as the words of others have hurt me, my words have hurt others.

Facebook is a fun place to hang out. The blogging world is quite fun too. But sometimes the words people choose or the motive they have behind them can be so damaging. A lot of negativity goes on out in cyberspace. I see a lot of people complaining about work, their kids, their friends, their family or whatever else gets them fussy. Blogs are filled with opinions on how churches are messed up, how moms need to be better moms, how our President is a bad man or how the world we live in is going to pot. It's depressing. I have contributed to this type of blogging over and over again. I've been negative and I've been a complainer. And what a waste!

The more and more I read Proverbs, the more I am convinced that us human beings say way too much. We use way too many words. We type way too many words and we give our opinions when we really should just keep our mouths shut. When I am in that mode, it says how I am feeling about myself. There is a difference between being passionate and being opinionated. If you truly love, love will come out of your mouth. Instead we judge, criticize, gossip and tear down our own people.

I hate it when my kids fight. It truly makes me sad when they are not getting along. Imagine how God feels when believers are attacking believers? This is something I am working through. I want to "get it". I want my words to give life. That means I want to give them life even when I am behind their backs. I want to walk with integrity so that God may guard my path and grant me favor with those around me. You can't expect to influence anyone if you are not showing love to everyone around you, even those you may not like.

This is not meant to be a post full of preaching at the people reading. This is what God is teaching me. I am a work in progress, that's for sure! I'm just glad He enjoys working on me so much! :)

Proverbs 2:7 He holds victory in store for the upright,he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Proverbs 4:23-27 (The Message) Keep vigilant watch over your heart;that's where life starts. Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth;avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.Keep your eyes straight ahead;ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step,and the road will stretch out smooth before you.Look neither right nor left;leave evil in the dust.

Proverbs 11:12 (The Message) Mean-spirited slander is heartless; quiet discretion accompanies good sense. 13 A gadabout gossip can't be trusted with a secret, but someone of integrity won't violate a confidence.

Proverbs 11:17 (The Message) 17 When you're kind to others, you help yourself;when you're cruel to others, you hurt yourself.

Proverbs 15:1 (The Message) 1 A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire

Provers 15:23 (The Message) 23 Congenial conversation—what a pleasure!The right word at the right time—beautiful!

Proverbs 15:28 The Godly think before speaking

Proverbs 17:27 A TRULY WISE PERSON USES FEW WORDS!