Listen to What You are Saying

Realizing that every single word that comes out of your mouth affects someone is an important lesson to learn. It not only affects others, but they affect you.

You have a responsibility to choose your words wisely, knowing that what you say will either help someone or hurt them. You’ve heard it said, “they were hanging on every word”, meaning they were paying close attention to what was being said to them. When someone listens that intently, they are taking every word to heart. When those words hurt them, they are not easily forgotten. Maybe you feel better (at the moment) by getting stuff off of your chest, but in the long run, how helpful was that really?

I like the idea of the way the passion translation puts it. “Let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others.”

You may say, “but you don’t realize how bad I’ve been hurt by this person”. Believe me when I say, “I get it!” I just know hurting someone in return is never good. Be the person that takes a deep breath and doesn’t take offense. Instead, be loving and as understanding as Jesus has been with you.

Wouldn’t you say He has put up with a lot from you? He has given grace when it was not deserved.

Pull up your big girl/boy pants and be the bigger person. Now drink your coffee and relax knowing you will do better with those powerful words in the future.

If you find yourself relapsing with hateful words…put them in check and “beautify” them by sprinkling in grace.

Ephesians 4:29 TPT

[29] And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them. #paulaandthebible #helpful