Words Matter | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 12, 2023

Words Matter | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 12, 2023

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

In raising a family, I’m coming to terms with the idea that my kids are a true reflection of me. For better or for worse, I can see myself in my children. Their physical appearances, their quirks, mannerisms, and behavior (introverted for the most part!). But it’s often their words that reflect me the most. And their words are a measuring stick of whether or not I have encouraged or discouraged them. I might think, “Where did they hear that….why did they say that?” But if I’m honest, I know exactly where they got it from: me.

We’ve looked at Ephesians 4:29 in our home because I think it’s a transformational verse. Words can be used to either build up or destroy. They can help a person improve and be pointed to a higher standard or they can knock down and belittle. Far too often, I’ve chosen my words too lightly. I’ve acted out of emotion rather than stepping back and considering what my words really are saying. As Christians, if we can consider our words more deliberately along with the Spirit’s guidance, think of what good we could do in this world. Words matter and we must be willing to use them for building up others. In so doing, we are building the Kingdom, one soul at a time.

Question for today: Am I able to see the effect that my words have on those around me?

Pray: Lord help me to choose words wisely. Let them be used to build others up, not tear them down.

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