Honoring God’s Creation
Do you realize that your words carry incredible power?
This power can be positive, uplifting, encouraging, and even life-changing. There are many ways to use words to make a difference in someone’s life.
However, with a different attitude or perspective, words can also damage. They can hurt, tear down, and leave others bitter and angry.
As a survivor of abuse, I understand this firsthand. The first and most prevalent abuse was my mother’s words. Those words had power. Starting at birth, rejecting me as too ugly to name. The rejection and the words she used cut me down so that I had no self-esteem.
But God had a plan. Through the Holy Spirit, I found hope and healing.
As a matter of fact, He walked me through the pain to find peace and joy. Now, I write to help others heal from past abuse.
After the Election
Certainly, many hoped that tempers would calm down and hurtful words would cease. Yet, in reality, the mean-spirited name-calling continues.
When did kindness go into hibernation like a bear? What will it take to wake it up within us?
We are God’s Greatest Assets
After all, we are made in His image. You diminish one of God’s creations whenever you speak unkind words to or about someone. Pause and consider that truth the next time negative thoughts come to you.
Kindness Costs Nothing and Changes Brain Chemisty
A smile, a compliment, a helping hand–these take only a moment but have profound effects. Sharing such moments changes brain chemistry, activating relational circuits for both the giver and receiver. In fact, God designed us to thrive in a community of givers and sharers.
10 Ways to Use Words Wisely
- Realize Words Create
God created with His spoken word. Similarly, our words create thoughts and emotions in each other’s minds. Whether spoken or written, our words can calm or cause chaos, uplift, or tear down, so choose them wisely.
2. Smile Before Speaking
It’s important to realize a smile is a universal sign of peace. It can set the tone for your words. Think of it as God’s way of letting others know you come in peace–a gift to be shared freely. Is it equivalent to a dog wagging its tail? I don’t know, but it’s a gift, and we should spread smiles wherever we venture.
3. Be Kind Even When Others Aren’t
Follow the golden rule Jesus proclaimed:
Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12 NKJV)
It is the same rule taught in homes and schools. The principle is: Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You. So, hold your words until you can be calm and speak quietly and kindly.
4. Share Positive, Encouraging Words
Speak words that build others up, offering grace and encouragement.
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
(Ephesians 4:29 NKJV)
5. Be Humble
Humility is the foundation of all virtues. It’s not just what you say but in your attitude and actions.
God reminded me one day, “You will never be greater than when serving another.”
Yes, He speaks to me, always to the point and sometimes with humor.
6. Share Your Story
Vulnerability creates connections. Sharing your story can inspire others to foster community.
7. Pray for Wisdom
Prayer prepares you for the right words and the right moments. It brings peace and readiness to serve those God places in your path.
8. Be still
Listening is as critical as speaking. When we are still, we can hear God’s voice more clearly. As the psalmist reminds us.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10 NKJV)
What we hear must match scripture so that we are not deceived. When I try to be still, I meditate on the fact that He is God.
After this scripture, you realize that a lack of words can change things.
9. Practice Gratitude
Expressing gratitude–to God and others is an affirmation of goodness. Whether through words, songs, or actions, gratitude reflects a heart aligned with God.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. (Psalm 100:4 NKJV)
10. Value God’s Creations
Recognizing that you and those around you are God’s masterpieces. Use your words to declare their worth and honor their place in His plan.
Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. (Psalm 100:3 NKJV)
Over the years, I have saved many little notes my children have written to me expressing love and gratitude. If I ever feel blue, I read one or two of those. They have the power to lift my mood within seconds.
To Summarize
- Realize that God sees you and others as His greatest assets.
- Use words to create positivism and change.
- Smile and spread joy before speaking.
- Be kind, even when it’s difficult.
- Speak encouragement and practice humility.
- Share your story.
- Pray for wisdom.
- Be still, listen, and practice gratitude.
- Show your heartfelt appreciation to God and those around you.
Your words hold the power to shape a kinder world. Let’s honor God by using our words wisely and with love.
How will you use your words today to make a difference? Share your thoughts in the comments and inspire others to do the same.
