Speaking Gracious Words

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 

  

  Words can cause many problems. The way we speak, what we say, the tone of our voice, and the context of our words can have a powerful effect on others. 

  When I was a teenager I went fishing at a creek beneath a bridge near my house. Suddenly, someone up on the bridge started throwing rocks into the water. I yelled at them to stop, and they didn’t. I could not see who was throwing the stones. I got so angry that I said, “If you don’t stop throwing rocks I’m going to kick your ‘backside’.” Only I used a word other than backside. Finally, the stone-thrower showed their self. A familiar voice said, “So you are going to kick my ‘backside’?” It was my mother. 

  Some things I learned from that experience: Don’t let anger control your words, don’t speak without having all the information, don’t mouth off to someone who could be bigger or more powerful than you.  

  Yet we all, at one time or another, have said stupid things. 

  Another time, years ago, when I was in the lunch room where I worked, two ladies were talking about having babies. I chimed in and commented that one of the ladies should know how it feels to be pregnant, while nodding at her stomach. Her reply: “I’m not pregnant.” 

  I wanted to crawl into a hole. 

  Words can be helpful, or harmful, when it comes to those dealing with chronic illnesses. People have spoken words to me during my illness that have given me much encouragement, words that have helped to lift me up when I was feeling down. Contrariwise, there are those who have said things to me that were cutting and painful when I could least afford to hear such words. 

  It can be difficult for those of us are afflicted to keep from letting our anger, frustration, and bitterness spill over into areas that have nothing to do with our illnesses. We may react badly to unrelated issues, or everyday issues may set us off with a harsh verbal response because we are feeling badly due to illness. 

  I try to be mindful of times that I need to carefully watch my words. I don’t want to hurt others with my words because my irritation bleeds through my tongue. It can be a challenge to produce good words when we are being squeezed by our afflictions. 

  This week be mindful of your words, and set a guard over your tongue when you know that irritations are building and may spew over into all the areas of your life. We don’t want to hurt our loved ones by wielding a sharp tongue.  

  Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to guard our words so that we do not harm others by the things we say, and guard our hearts Lord against words that try to harm us as well. Amen.