LET EVERYTHING YOU SAY BE GOOD AND HELPFUL
Yesterday, I took a much-needed break. First, we went to a Farmers Market and had a blast introducing my grandchildren to lots of different flowers, vegetables, and crafts. Next, we spent the day shopping for school clothes and finished the day by going out to eat. It was so much fun spending time with the children, and I loved seeing how they glowed when they were praised for some little thing.
Earlier this week, I read a short devotional about the power of words. Words are an incredible tool, and they can be used to cut someone to the core and tear them down, or they can be used to build someone up and fill their soul with joy.
I have to admit that I am guilty of “wanting” to cut someone to the core. I am sure all of us have been in situations where someone says a mean and hurtful comment, and you want to hurl an equally hurtful comment right back. Normally, I don’t say something hurtful back, not because I didn’t want to, but because nothing came to mind. I am one of those people who will think about the situation and think of what I should have said days later.
While out with the grandchildren, I saw them start to beam when praised for the smallest thing. A simple “that was great” or a “you did a good job” brought smiles of joy to their little faces. I started thinking that maybe my lack of ability to have a quick comeback had been a blessing in disguise.
One of my favorite scenes from the movie, “You’ve Got Mail,” is when Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) is telling Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) that she wished she had the ability to come up with a “zinger.” Joe Fox tells her that if she ever got the ability, she would immediately regret the words as soon as they left her mouth. The words would be said in anger and meant to tear down instead of building up. Of course, later in the movie, she got her to wish, and Joe was right; she immediately regretted the words and felt awful.
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)
29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
I’ve been on the receiving end of those zingers before, and they felt terrible. But, I never took the time to think about the person saying them. I just assumed that they were filled with pride at their ability to tear some to shreds with their words, but what if they were immediately filled with regret?
Maybe, instead of my silence, I could have said, “I’m sorry you feel that way, but I think you are still a great person.”
What if our words were only used to encourage and make people feel special? I bet it would be a much better place. I guess it turns out our mothers knew what they were talking about when they said, “if you don’t have something nice to say, say nothing at all.”
To God Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
How tall are you? Your weight, size and do you wear petite or regular sizes.
I’m so curious because after looking for style tips I found you and lo and behold I hit the jackpot! I love your casual style but also your sense of color.
Elizabeth, I share my stats all of the time, so I am used to this question. I am 5’6″ tall, and I weigh between 155 and 165 at any given time, I normally wear a 10 (or a 30) in pants and jeans, a 12 in dresses, and a size 9 in shoes. I wear regular Misses clothing.
Great message! I follow for all of your style tips but love when these unexpected lessons are shared. Thank you
I remember that saying from the movie “Bambi”. I think it was Thumper who said that. So true.
Amen.
Thank you for a great reminder, Tania. My mom used to say the same thing! Have a wonderfully blessed day!
Always love your Sunday messages.
I really enjoy your Sunday posts. My mom used to tell me the same thing. Thank you!
You definitely used your words for good in this blog. Thanks!
Your Sunday inspirational posts lift me up and help to strengthen my walk with Christ. Thank you for your courage to witness to so many.
I am so glad I found your blog!
What a great post – I’m in a weird place in my life right now and am struggling with being newly retired. To be honest, I don’t like it. My feeling useful, needed & having people around was life feeding for me. I thrived on challenges & being able to be creative. In solving them. Retirement has new challenges, but I don’t card for them. Lol.
Your post today reminded me that my words are powerful – not only what I say to those around me, but what I say to myself as well. As we speak luff or death to others, we also do the same got ourselves in what we tell ourselves.
Thanks for this beautiful reminder – speak life. That’s God’s plan!!
Tania,
I love your Sunday posts! I use them as part of my quiet time with God! Thank you for your obedience.💖
Good morning Tania, your blog comments are always part of my Sunday morning devotional. I look forward to reading them and believe the topic is inspired. Also, I appreciate the daily scripture you post daily with your wonderful fashion ideas, and miss it when for some reason it isn’t there.
I loved the podcast with you, Deborah, and Jennifer. Hearing what you all sound like makes following your blogs that more interesting.
It reminds me of the old saying “sticks & stones” may hurt my bones but words will never hurt me! Unfortunately, words do hurt & wound. I’d rather follow “let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, my strength and my Redeemer. God bless.
Love your posts, particularly on Sunday. Such a wonderful reminder for us all.
What a great way to start my day. To be reminded that we should always think good thoughts and seek to build up people. We never know what burden they may be baring that causes them to want to hurt others. Be kind. Be your best.
I love your sermons, they always make think.