Words can make or break you or loved ones around you. Words matter! What you say and hear affect you and the people around you. Unspoken words also matter... because the silence communicates in its own way. It's important to find a balance. Mind you, not all words are bad... my goal today is to remind you (and I) that words matter and have an impact. Whether the words are positive or negative. I mean, how many times have you been grateful for the words you spoke (or didn't say) that changed things or someone's life? How many times have you felt some sort of remorse or regret for uttering words that you blurted out of anger, frustration, or pain? Either way, words matter and have an impact.
Once words are out there, you really can't take them back. You can apologize and make amends, but they are out there. Imagine you work on (practice) being slow to speak and quick to listen. What difference would that make? If you would be more mindful and thoughtful about the words you say/write. Words matter. Words are used to encourage and empower or destroy and imprison. Words have a lasting impact. What impact do you want to have with the words you say, or don't say?
Think about the words you say to those closest to you--without even thinking. Or the words you don't say, that they need to hear? Whatever the impact, you often assume that they will understand. While they may understand, how much better would it be if your words were chosen more carefully with consideration of the ripple effects? Some say, if you have nothing good to say--zip it! Not that you need to be "perfect" in every conversation you have (or don't have) as we all know that perfection doesn't exist in this lifetime. The key is to be more aware of the words you say and the impact they will have--good or bad.
The impact of words... how you respond when provoked: "A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, But harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger." (Proverbs 15:1). What you think about (meditate on) influences the words you say/write OR don't say/write. What have you been feeding your heart lately? Remember, "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." (Luke 6:45) And also, you may initiate or influence how others respond to you by what you say: "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37)
I often pray, as a personal discipline and reminder that what comes out of my mouth matters and will have a positive or negative impact: "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14). Simple but effective! I know that sometimes you are "pushed" to your "limits" and you end up saying things that you regret... but even when those times/moments come, you have a choice to find a kind or most appropriate way to respond... don't react... always respond.
Remember: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18) I believe that when your words don't cause or stir up strife, then you will be able to live at peace with those around you. You can't control what they say, but you can influence them by how you respond. You only need to do your part. It takes practice and being intentional about it. Let's all practice.
