Let Your Words Be....

We are currently working through a series at our church on the Modern Family.
 http://savannahchristian.com/henderson

We've looked at all parts of our families.  The messy parts, the relationships, the conflicts, and our words.  Pastor Cam recently did a message on our words.  It hit home for me and I wanted to share with my blogging family.  I put my words to the test last week and marveled at the difference it made in my household.  Let me further explain.

Our words are important.  Much more important than any of us could ever realize.  They have the ability to build people up or if they are hurtful, tear people down.  "Nothing has more potential for both good and bad as our tongue."- Pastor Cam Huxford.  I'm sure you've heard of "The Golden Rule", So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you...Matthew 7:12.  If we are going to chose to live by this rule, then we must be careful to ensure that our words are those of love, encouragement, hope, and truth.  Here's a few points that Pastor Cam brought out. 

1.  Let Your Words Be Few!

• Don't over talk the ones around you.  If you are talking to much, maybe you need to stop and let someone else step in.  However, on the flip side, if you don't talk enough, jump in there!   If everyone in the family is led to think their perspective is valuable, then everyone feels loved and valued.  Avoid angry outbursts.  No longer allow impulsive outpourings and tantrums.  Instead, speak words of encouragement and hope.

2. Let Your Words Be True.

• Don't be a liar.  The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. Proverbs 12:22.  Lying starts early in childhood.  Lying = Consequences.  As Marie T. Freeman has been quoted of saying, "When you talk, choose the very same words that you would use if Jesus were looking over your shoulder.  Because He is." 

3.  Let Your Words Be Gentle.

• Pastor Cam reminded us to think of our tongue as a thermastat that can control our home.  This is the one I truly took to heart last week.  As stated in Proverbs 15:1, A gentle answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger.  We need to avoid tension and anger in our daily conversations.  Instead, re-direct a tough conversation.  "Help me understand."  Our words can often time create more anger, more frustration, and more evil.  In Ephesians 4:29, it is written, No rotten talk should come from your mouth, be only what is good for the building up of someine in need, in order to give grace to those who hear.

4.  Let Your Words Be Life- Giving.

• Words can change people.  They can fill a heart with gladness.  They can give strength to the weak.  They can encourage.  Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones, Proverbs 16:24.  It is best to remember these life-giving phrases:

I believe in you. 

I trust in you.

I need you.

I'm proud of you.

I respect you.

I love you.

Who do you need to say these words to today?  I've spent the last week taking more time with my words with Matthew.  I've tried very hard to let my words be few, to let my words be true, to let my words be gentle, and most importantly, to let my words to him be life-giving.  I've made sure to tell him that I trust him.  I believe in him. And above all else, that I love him.  Because of my change in my words, I've been able to see the changes in our relationship.  Gone last week were the tensions and frustrations I often felt raising a teenager.  There weren't any arguements, any comments under the breath as Matthew walked away.  Instead, there was laughing, joking, smiles, and hugs.  Pastor Cam opened my eyes to what God wants us to do with our words.  It doesn't seem like a big change, but it is.  "Words are a primary vehicle God has given you to communicate your love to your family.  Words matter!"- Pastor Cam Huxford.

So I ask you, what words do you need to change?  Who needs to hear those changes in your words?  A few small changes to your vocabulary can move mountains within your relationships.  Are you up for the challenge?  Just imagine how much more pleasant your home could be with the right words.

Heavenly Father, you have warned me that I will be judged by the words I speak.  You have commanded me to choose my words carefully so that I may be a source of encourangement and love to all I speak to.  Keep me mindful of my words, Lord, and that I have influence over many.  I want to be an influence for good.  And may the words that leave my mouth today be a source of love, grace, and worthy of the One who has saved me.  Amen.