using my powers for the good

A really tough lesson I never seem to learn is the power of my words. In the past, I have subconsciously held the opinion that my words don't effect people. I thought words were only powerful when they were extremely positive or extremely negative. You know what I mean? I thought words did not impact people unless the words stood out for some specific reason. Like if I told a good friend, "You are a wonderful friend. You always think of others, you are always there for me, you bake wonderful cookies, and you always share your clothes with me." I would have thought those words would have probably stayed with this person for at least a couple of hours, if not days...because the comment stands out. Anywho, on the flip side..if I decided to be extremely negative like this, "Hey, I don't like your hair cut and that color you are wearing...eh..not really flattering on you". That comment would stand out...don't ya think? Not to mention they probably wouldn't wear that color any more. Not that I would say this to someone..those are just the kinds of words I always assumed would effect a person.

I never have taken the time to assess the power of my every word. Even ordinary words. Even words I say to myself. Every word I say is an opportunity to bring someone hope or strength. Ever looked at it that way? Me either. Thats kind of a big burden.

The Bible makes many a mention of the importance and power of our spoken words and the power of the tongue (James 3, Proverbs13:3, Proverbs 15:4 and many many more). When I was little, I was so confused what it meant when the Bible talked about our 'tongues'. I remember thinking, "Why is my tongue so powerful?? I just use it to eat. The tongue is really weird looking too. Why does God think that weird thing is so important?" Seriously, I was so literal as a kid.

As an adult, I understand why the Bible brings it up so much. There have been countless times I have been completely burned by a person's negative words. Negative words have a way of sticking with you and resurfacing at all the wrong times. When I was in high school, I had this boyfriend who was constantly telling me awful things he thought about me. Now I know those comments are all lies. Even then, I might have known the comments weren't necessarily true but it didn't stop me from believing them. Those negative ideas about myself stayed with me for years. Those simple words he probably forgot years ago, stayed with me and caused me to falsely define myself.

There is a flip side. Positive words have a way of sticking with us too. Whenever I doubt myself, I can think of encouraging words people have spoken to me. Encouraging words that a person might not have even known I desperately needed to hear.

There is a specific verse in the Bible I think of every time I need to remind myself of how important my words are:
"For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way." James 3:2
Wow. Pretty powerful huh? Our words are SO important. Our words guide our entire lives. Think about it. A simple word of encouragement can change your entire day. A few words can change the entire direction of a life. Thats why it is so important to...THINK before we SPEAK. My mother tried to teach me this as a child. I was too stubborn to get it. I still am. But I think I get the importance of it now. What I say to a person will stay with them forever. If I say a hurtful comment to a person, I can apologize a gazillion times but I can't un-say it. They already heard it and it will stay with them. You can't erase it. Gosh I wish we could.
The same theme applies when James talks about being "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry" (James 1:19). God is really clear. Think before using words. They are so powerful.

I need to learn to use this "power" for the good. Use words for the cause of the Lord. His cause is to love. Love and encourage with my words always. Easier said then done, I know. But remember....With Christ all things are possible....