Words Matter

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

"And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them."

(Ephesians 4:29 TPT)

I've always been a believer in the adage that our words can speak either victory or defeat to those we influence. In my days writing broadcast news, I knew that the opening line had the power to grab a person's attention and move them to action.  Today, as someone who leads others, I choose words carefully so as to give value to those who are listening.

If you really want to make a difference in someone's life, speak words of victory to them. Look for their good qualities, their unique gifts, and remind them how amazing they are. The world spends enough time tearing us down. Advertisers tell us we're not good enough, co-workers with negative attitudes complain about the leadership and how they are never getting ahead, and the news media reports about how awful things are.  As you drive, you see billboards enticing you to want more. Your electronic devices are collecting information about everything you do on them so as to influence you to do what others want you to.

Make it stop. Give your friends and family some real face time and tell them how special they are. For that matter, be careful how you speak to yourself! Negative talk leads to negative results. The automaker Henry Ford was quoted as saying: "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right."

Whoever said "words can never hurt me" lied. Words matter. Choose them carefully and spend them wisely.

Thanks for reading!