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
When I was younger, my mom would always say, "Your mouth is going to get you in trouble". At first, I didn’t understand what she meant. But as I got older it began to make sense to me. She meant that what I said (and often, how I said it) could put me in an unfavorable position with others. In another vernacular, it could be said, ‘Don’t let your mouth write a check that your (butt) can’t cash '. I never thought what I said was ever really that bad. Though I will admit I was and still do consider myself quick-witted; always ready with a clever comeback once shots were fired. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve been thinking more about the words that I say and the impact that they have on others. Back then I was a young child whose words could be loose and free because that’s how I felt (for the most part), unencumbered. But now, a few decades later, in my forties, married with two kids I find my words and use of words extremely important. Words are life-giving and life-taking. They have the power to uplift, encourage and empower. But likewise, they can demean, belittle and undermine. They are powerful.
So when I use words I try to be thoughtful and kind, especially to those who need building up as they grow into the people that God created them to be. But also, to the one, I cherish as a lifelong partner in this life journey. Where I still struggle, is in the words I use to describe myself both out loud and in my head. In my quest to say the right thing, to encourage others when I can, I often get overlooked in the process. Does that ever happen to you? Be honest with yourself. When was the last time you called yourself an idiot for forgetting the seemingly obvious or dumb for not remembering to do something? This way of talking to ourselves is sometimes so ingrained that we don’t even realize we’re doing it. So stop to consider if the words you are saying to yourself in your head or out loud are ones that you would say regularly to your spouse, best friend, or child. If not, why are you saying them to yourself? You are, after all, God’s child.
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