Sticks & Stone Can Break Some Bones, But Words Can Break the Spirit

We've all done it, in a fit of anger, allowed hateful words to spew out of our mouths. You know those moments when we wish we could grab the words mid-air and shove them back in, but its too late, they've already reached the ears of the intended receiver.

It is usually only after moments when we've completely blown our tops that we think about the affects our words might have had on another. But what do your daily conversations, comments, and responses say about you and do they impact those around you in a positive or negative manner?

Think about those conversation flashbacks you have from time to time. They may have occurred years ago, but at the right moment they creep back up in your mind. Sometimes it is the conversation that you still get embarrassed over for the way you behaved. Other times it is the hurtful words of someone else directed at you that come to mind. Regardless of whether you were the deliverer or receiver of the harsh words, the fact is they were powerful enough to come to the surface years down the road. Usually, those memories also wash us in the same emotion as the day they were delivered.

Words have the power to break our spirit, but thankfully they also have the power to restore it. The question is are your daily words building up or breaking down the spirit of those around you?

Take a quick inventory of the conversations you had today. What did you say to your spouse, co-worker, boss, parent, friend, child? Would you have been embarrassed had someone else witnessed the exchange?

As you start your day tomorrow, make an effort to lift people up with your words. Remember your words have weight and the power to stick with the receiver for a lifetime.

Psalm 19:14 ESV 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.