Have you very been hurt by someone's words? have you ever hurt someone with your words?
I know the answer for me is yes & yes. it is in our human nature to use our mouth and tongue for powerful & hurtful words and then there times when we turn and something completely beautiful comes out.
My desire for my words and mouth is to use them for the glory of God and through my words people will see His love, encouragement and ultimately His salvation. In James 3:8 it says, But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. The only way possible to have control over this is to ask God to completely live in and through you and with that we will speak words of love. This is not a magic pill, it does not turn us from our human ways, but it makes us stop and think before we speak the words of hurt, pain and judgement.
I am trying to change the way in which I speak to others in person, in emails and on-line. With technology the chance for miscommunication is elevated and we must watch the way in which we respond to others, one word or symbol out of context and you spend the rest of the day/week trying to mend what you didn't mean. The issue is; we bring these conversations from our "online world" to our real life and we forget that we are human beings full of errors and flaws and human nature. We do not know how to communicate beyond one word or smiling face and our children are failing in making true friendships and building true relationships.
Things that have come across my comments lately have had hurtful intentions from my point of view but on the flip side the words typed or spoken are actually the hurt or guilt the other one is feeling about themselves. It's not always about you or me for that matter, yes you might get the reflection of the hurt, but I'm praying you take a step back and realize the words we all speak most of the time are us saying how we feel and think about ourselves.
So when I'm judged for things like "well you can do that "stuff" because you are just a stay at home mom" in reality they are saying I wish I was a stay at home mom. (has nothing to do with me)
"You need to stop doing what you think is important and talk more about Jesus, He doesn't care about exercise and health" (feeling like they should be more of a witness or be more healthy taking care of their temple)
"you have no idea how exhausted I feel, I have no one to help me but you are naturally motivated to clean your house, workout, cook etc" ( I wish I could be motivated or have a support system)
Lastly my ultimate favorite comment and one that still gets my blood boiling (working on this one still) "well your husband has a good job so you get to do whatever you want and have money to go places and can spend the time baking cupcakes, dinner, mopping your floors etc" you name it I've been accused of it. This one is a reflection of regret for so many things, I might only have a minor in physiology, but I know these comments are reflections of anger, guilt and most of all one big excuse for making excuses.
I'm sharing my thoughts because I know I have said unkind and hurtful things to others and I in return have heard many targeted to me. I'm asking you to guard your tongue and to reflect on the words you are saying and going to say, ask yourself are these your inward feelings of yourself coming out, are these regrets and judgment you have about yourself?
Hurtful words last a lifetime and ruin many friendships. I want to encourage you this week to focus on changing the way you speak and comment to others as you watch your life and sphere of influence be stronger and healthier.
Enjoy your week!
Joyforfitness
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