Day 8 - Little Fox - Improper use of words

 Improper use of words

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. “ 

Proverbs 18:21

God intricately designed our words to uplift and build, not to tear down. The wisdom imparted by Paul, a revered teacher, emphasizes the importance of speaking words that are good for building up and giving grace to those who hear. (Eph. 4:29) On the flip side, James warns of the power of the tongue, likening it to a small spark that can ignite a great forest. (James 3:5) Solomon further underscores the potency of words, stating that life and death are in the power of the tongue. (Prov. 18:21) Words matter so much to God that he has stated that every man will have to give an account for every word they have ever spoken, for by your words you will be condemned and by your words you will be acquitted. (Mat. 12:36)

This highlights the necessity of using our words to produce our good and the good in others. Since all charity should begin in the home, the expectation is we should excel in using our words to build and not to destroy our family members. In order to keep us away from the temptation of speaking or thinking ill of your family members, it becomes vital to immerse oneself in the word of God, for to dwell in the word, is to dwell in the presence of God. The word not only renews the mind but also fills the heart with good treasure. As the saying goes, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. That means, as we study and do the word of God, we are sowing good things into our hearts allowing us to impart goodness to others. When we are full of the word, we can call things that are not as though they are through the lens of faith.

This is why I consistently emphasize the simplicity of speaking kindly to one another when we are in agreement, but the real challenge arises during moments of disagreement. In those instances,  wisdom imparted by Christ urges us to adopt a perspective of mercy and compassion toward your neighbor. This is because, in the realm of mercy, a beautiful reciprocity unfolds. Consider it this way: Jesus, in His teachings, encouraged us not to be harsh and rigid with others, but we must follow his example of showing mercy. He saved, delivered, provided, and even sacrificed for us when we were at our least deserving. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Recognizing this truth alters your viewpoint, acknowledging that your neighbor, like you, has moments of weaknesses that require the same mercy you so desperately need. Hence, it becomes crucial to introspect and acknowledge your own imperfections before pointing to others imperfections. By doing so, you extend help to others not from a place of self-righteousness, but from a stance of mercy. It's a cycle where mercy begets more mercy.

Simultaneously, we acknowledge the presence of an adversary, Satan, who delights in sowing discord by influencing how we communicate with each other. It's not uncommon to hear people say, "I didn't mean what I said; it came out of anger, etc." This illustrates that the enemy can take hold of us, using our words to inflict pain and damage with the intent of disrupting peace. It's only upon regaining awareness that you realize the profound impact your words have caused, resulting in considerable pain and potential long-term damage that may require years to heal, if at all, except through the grace of God. If Satan's influence persists unchecked, a household with frequent negative communication can generate elevated levels of toxicity, hindering cooperation and collaboration, ultimately impairing productivity and dismantling the peace within the family. These repercussions extend even to children, who, for their healthy development, necessitate an environment that models positive communication for them to emulate in their adult lives.

In essence, what I'm conveying is a timeless adage: a stitch in time saves nine. Invest time in studying God's word and invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with goodness, steering your communication towards bearing positive fruit. By conscientiously choosing words that build bridges instead of walls, we fortify the strength and unity of our families. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the gift of family. Please lead us in unity, love, and harmony. Grant us wisdom to be valuable family members, promoting understanding and support. Fill our hearts with the fruits of the Holy Spirit, guiding us in moments of disagreement with the wisdom of Christ. Protect us from the adversary's schemes that aim to disrupt our families. Empower us to choose words that build bridges, fostering unity. May our homes reflect your design of peace, support, leadership, and impartation. Help us recognize and address those subtle influences that could harm our relationships. Let your word be our guide as we seek to align with your perfect will

In Jesus' name, we pray.

Amen.

by Pastor Dee