One of the things I come across on a daily basis is the power of words in the lives of people. Words do have power. God made them that way. God framed the world with His words. "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Hebrews 11:3 Today I want to focus on the great power of kind words.
The wonderful Catholic nun Mother Teresa once said, <"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Kind words have the power to heal and to lift. Speaking kindly shows that we care about the person we're talking to. We all feel good when we say kind things to others and when kind things are said to us.
On the other hand, when we're spoken to harshly, it is easy to lash back defensively and speak unkindly. Along with harsh words come unpleasant feelings, such as anger, sadness, and regret. Sometimes our words, spoken too quickly and without thinking, can be hurtful even when we do not mean them to be. Hurtful words can leave psychic scars for a long time. Watch what you say and how you say it. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your speech and help you choose good words to say.
When we speak negatively it focuses our attention on what is wrong with our world and our circumstances. It doesn't help improve things, it makes our life worse.
An unkind remark to another person can range from seemingly harmless to truly hurtful. The truth is, however, whether we're being simply sarcastic or intently cruel, the effects are similar. Both types of remarks leave the giver and the receiver feeling negative and critical. The reverse is also true.
When we speak kindly of others it focuses our attention on their goodness. When we speak kindly of our circumstances it turns our thoughts toward gratitude for what we have.
Kindness is one of the characteristics of God's people. It's in the Bible, Colossians 3:12, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Kindness is at the very roots of the God's nature. And His Spirit is maturing the Father's kindness in our character. So when you speak kind words, you are doing God's work in the world.
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