A Lesson Learned: Each Word is a Gift

Even though using foul language isn’t a major struggle of mine at this point in my life, hearing just how much Big Brother repeats has made me stop and think about the words that I say and the way that I say them. Like any self-respecting Mother, I know how to use tone and the look to let them know when I mean business. But is this always the right way to go about communicating?

Above all else, I want my speech to be full of grace. I love how The Message translates Colossians 4:6: “Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.”

Ouch…How often do I unknowingly “put down” or “cut out” my children (or my husband for that matter) in moments of frustration just by the words or even the tone that I use???

“Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.” –Ephesians 4:29 (The Message)

I love the idea that each word is a gift. This is so true! We all know how good it feels to be given the gift of kind, encouraging words. Likewise, we also know how hurtful words can be. I want to be a person who speaks the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Everyone knows someone who uses their words for gifts and they are typically great listeners. When they choose to say something, they make sure that it is an encouragement to the one hearing it.

So today I will make a conscious effort to let my words be a gift to all those around me. And tomorrow in 10 minutes when it feels like this task is more than I can handle, I will pray for God to give me the strength.