Your Words, Harm or Heal?

Your Words - Harm or Heal?

copyright Millie Plastaras 9/20/2003
may not be reproduced without permission of author.

The beginning of strife is like releasing water.
Therefore stop contention before it starts.
Proverbs 17:14

There is such a fine line between need to know information
and gossip. There is a kind of communication between
friends, or acquaintances that can be so destructive.
It is strife. Strife according to Webster's dictionary is lack
of harmony, discord. The more I thought about this,
the more I realized such a clear picture of strife.

Harmony is a symphony in our heart, uplifting, kind,
gentle, safe. A well spring of life.

Strife, is disharmony, the breakdown of communication,
the release of the spirit of offense, the spirit of lies,
and is destructive. It comes from the Father of lies
who wants to steal, kill and destroy all of us.

Once those words of unkindness, judgment or gossip
are released, there is no retrieving them. They go forth
and hurt and wound and destroy. And we have lost our
testimony. We have basically shown others we have no
rule over our spirit, or tongue.

This is such a battle for all of us. It is so easy to say the
first thing that comes to mind. I think we should learn to
count to 10 before we speak. Especially if we find we
have a problem with strife.

Some people are so deliberate and wise in what they say.
I have a friend, and every word she speaks is full of grace,
and mercy towards everyone she knows.
I have never heard her speak one unkind word, one
unloving thing, one negative approach to life. I have never
met another woman like her. She has rule over her spirit, and
her heart is full of God.

Did you ever hear that old saying, better to keep your
mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open your mouth
and remove all doubt?

Oh boy, I have. I have had to work at this all my life.
God has helped me.. but there were many times I said
things and came home and kicked myself around
mentally all night for opening my mouth. Over the
years, I have learned just to be quiet. It can be the
biggest gift of all.

If someone says something unkind or hurtful to you,
why talk back to them? Why not pray for them?
Why try to prove your point, prove you are superior,
or prove how smart you are? It is all pride and vanity.
Why not just pray for them?

The Bible has many strong words to say about it,
and to be honest when you read them, they strike home.
We really need to be praying about this. We as Christians
should be growing in the grace and knowledge of
Jesus Christ. Our life should be a silent sermon of
grace and wisdom to all who meet us!

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not
bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's
religion is useless!
James 1:26

The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity (sin). The tongue
is so set among our members (body) that it defiles
the whole body and sets on fire the course of nature,
and it is set on fire by hell.
James 3:6

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.
My brethren, this should not be so.
James 3:10

Wow.. strong verses. Vital concepts. A absolute must
in the life of a Christian. If you cannot control your
tongue, chances are not much else in your life is under
control!

If you have been talking about others, if you have
been talking unkindly, if you have been sitting on
a self appointed throne looking down on others, or
speaking negative unkind words into their life
you need to repent. This is all so very destructive for
those who know you, and for you. We have to
be made perfect in Christ. This requires sacrifice,
and learning to practice righteous habits.

What are you willing to sacrifice for Christ?
Your need to be right?
Your need to set people straight?
Your desire to talk about others?
Can you give this up for him?

We need to change our way of life, and leaving behind the
fleshly desires to act and communicate like the world does.

Remember, you are also a living example to those
around you, especially your children. Are you passing
this problem on to them? How are you teaching your
children to speak?

For we all stumble in many things.
If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man,
able also to bridle the whole body.
James 3:2

This should be a real goal for us. Some words destroy,
some build. We need to be builders of the kingdom of God.
Ask God to show you the areas of your life that need
changing. Don't be afraid. All of us need an attitude
adjustment. That is why Jesus came. To show us a new
way, and to help us find forgiveness from sins.

remember
Only one life will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last