The Currency of Words

Suppose someone unexpectedly slipped ten crisp new $100 bills in your mailbox today. How would you spend it? It’s likely you would carefully consider how to make the most of your windfall. Perhaps you would invest it for the future, pay off a lingering bill or take a long-delayed vacation.

May the words from my mouth and the thoughts from my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my defender.
─ Psalm 19:14 GW

I don’t think you would use the cash to start a fire and burn your house down. Yet careless and hurtful words accomplish much the same thing.

Just like cash in your pocket, the words that proceed out of your mouth can be used for good or destructive purposes.

Let your words be a currency of love.

If you want your relationships to grow and be healthy, you must protect them from hurtful words that convey ridicule, disdain or humiliation. “A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire” (James 3: 5-6, NLT).

Here are some One Things you can do today to make the right impact with your words:
• If you know your spouse has been on the receiving end of hastily spoken, unkind words from you, apologize.
• Ask your spouse if your words, or the tone of your words, have been hurtful, and be willing to accept his or her perceptions, even if you have been misunderstood.
• Think about some of the words you’ve heard that have damaged you, perhaps from childhood, and ask God to heal you.
• Meditate on how Christ loves your family, and how He would speak to each one as His own beloved child. Strive to be just as loving and tender in all you say.

Your relationship will be wonderfully enriched as you learn to live this prayer: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

Today’s One Thing
Look at the ONE THINGS above. Choose one to do intentionally. Pray the prayer for today as well and expect God to do something new in you as you use your words in love.

Go Deeper

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