You’ve heard the saying, ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’? I wish this was true, but as we all know this is not the case. Words are powerful. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Words have power in matters of life and death, and those who love them will savor their fruit”. Our words can either be used to bring encouragement to someone or to bring them down.
Many times, we don’t know the full impact of our words and the affect it will have on those around us. I remember back in middle school, there was a girl that kids made fun of because of her curly hair and buck teeth. One day on the bus I began talking with her. That day when she got off the bus she excitedly shared with her mom that she made a friend. Little did I know she had been battling with depression, did not have any friends and was feeling lonely. I found out we had a lot in common and she was fun to be around. We became close and remained friends throughout middle school and high school.
James 5:9 says, “Brothers and sisters, don’t waste your breath complaining about one another. If you judge others, you will be judged yourself.” It is important that we are not so quick to use or words to judge others, because we do not always know what that person may be going through or their life circumstances. Growing up I was constantly being teased for being short. But these students didn’t know that I was short because of a medical condition. Their words had an effect on me, making me feel I was different from everyone else. I made a decision that I wouldn’t do this to others.
Our words can also determine and affect how we will respond to issues in our lives. We can choose to either speak positively and allow the situation to make us a better person, or speak negatively and walk around with a bad attitude towards everything and everyone around us. Words have the power to change the feeling of our homes, schools, and relationships.
Next time you are about to speak, think of the effects it will have. Remember you have the ability to speak positively or negatively. So, choose your words wisely.
Nicole is working on her Masters degree at Liberty University in counseling. She has a desire to see young women know their true identity and fulfill their unique purpose. She enjoys blogging, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
