Two-minute read.
Thinking about the times my words have brought death to a relationship makes my heart ache with shame. Using meanness as a defense mechanism to keep people away from me worked well. Experiencing the loss of my father in my teens, I never wanted to feel that pain again. In my immature, still-developing brain, I decided that if I didn’t let anyone into my heart, I couldn’t get hurt again. Words helped me accomplish my mission. A quick study, I could effectively shut things down before they ever got started, and I did so many times.
Thankfully, we have a Savior who loves us as He finds us, but doesn’t leave us there. Through Jesus, and my commitment to Him, the Lord healed my heart and showed me the error of my ways. We need people in our lives. Yes, grief comes with love, the cost of giving our heart to people, but the pain we feel pales in comparison to the joy of connecting with others.
Words build a bridge with friends when we speak with love and kindness. Using our language to build others up will create a connection that thrives. People beat themselves up enough; we don’t need to add to it. Life-giving conversation changes the trajectory of our friends’ lives. Just as God empowers us with His promises, sharing them with those we love does the same.
Choose what kind of words you want to use. If what you want to say doesn’t encourage and uplift the receiver, then don’t say it. Put a hand over your mouth to stop you from speaking. Don’t kill a relationship in an emotional moment. Better to wait than to regret. Once words come out, you can’t take them back, no matter how hard you try.
But you can stop and think before speaking, asking God for words that will bring life to those who hear them, and building bridges that last. Jesus shows us the way when we study His teachings. Always encouraging, the Lord didn’t enable or speak with hatred; He talked to everyone in love. Becoming more like Christ means using our words to give life to others, encouraging them on their journey, and spurring them on to abundant living.
Journal Questions:
How have words caused you pain?
In what ways can you build people up with your words?
How does Jesus help you speak with love?
Friendship Application:
Look for opportunities to speak life into those you meet today.
