The Power of Words April 23, 2010

Wow. I have benefited so much from the humility and wisdom I read about last week in all the posts. And the ladies who posted are all my friends – which makes it even more meaningful. Their teachable hearts and affection for truth both inspires and convicts me. As a group, we have been reading the same articles and this week I will continue to share from them as we continue our series on redemptive speech.

But first a confession…

By nature I am a critical person who too often sees the proverbial glass half empty rather than half full. God mercifully brought some people into my life some years ago who not only taught me about the importance of redemptive speech (we didn’t know what to call it then), but who also demonstrated to me how to do it! Their eagerness to both look for things to encourage and to correct with grace was used by God to open the door to change. Even though God has brought about progress in my life in this area, I still battle the pride and self-righteousness that causes sinful attitudes in my heart to come out of my mouth. How quickly I forget that words have the power for life or for death.

Like last week when I made a sarcastic comment to my husband the day before he was leaving for an out-of-state conference! My timing was not only insensitive but also selfish. I was “bummed out” (if you haven’t read Debi’s post from last week, please do!) at a perceived pattern of insensitivity in him, so I reacted. The comment was out of my mouth before I even knew it.

First I wished I hadn’t said it. Then too quickly I wanted to blame him for my quip. My heart was pulled between the desire to repent and the arrogant craving for vindication. My speech wasn’t the biggest problem…because as we’ve learned, sinful speech springs from a sinful heart.

Lord, please help me to more clearly see the connection between the words of my mouth and the sins in my heart. Help me to stop blaming anyone or anything for choosing to speak proud, selfish and sarcastic words. Without Your help I am hopeless. But because of the Cross I am full of confidence in Your power to change me. Thank you, Lord!