Words are Everything by Lane Jordan Burday
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation.” Genesis 1:3-13
February is one of my favorite months because I am a romantic at heart. I love going into stores and seeing all the red and pink hearts covering the shelves and the walls, all the candy in beautiful heart-shaped boxes, and especially all the red roses stacked in lovely vases waiting to be bought. And I can’t wait to see what my husband will get me on Valentine’s Day because no matter what it is, I know it will make me feel very loved.
However, one part of love that most people don’t realize is that our words and what we say to each other matter more than any flower or candy given as a present.
If God can create the whole world with just a word, then any of our words (which God only gave to mankind) can build or destroy others. Yes, words matter and are very important.
Research continues to suggest that at least three positive interactions outweigh one negative interaction. Some studies recommend a more significant amount of praise, reporting that five-to-one and seven-to-one ratios are necessary for achieving and maintaining a healthy and productive feedback relationship.
So, how can we say kind words to those in our lives? By reading what God says in His Word.
Here are some Bible verses about the power of words:
- Ephesians 4:29: “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”.
- Matthew 12:36-37: “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned”.
- Proverbs 11:9: “Evil words destroy; Godly skill rebuilds”.
- Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up”.
- Proverbs 15:4: “Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim”.
- Proverbs 16:24: “Kind words are like honey. They are sweet to the spirit and bring healing to the body”.
- Proverbs 20:15: “Wise words are more valuable than gold and many rubies”.
- Proverbs 25:18: “Telling lies about friends is like attacking them with clubs and swords and sharp arrows”.
I wanted to write about the importance of words because so much of our society has become rude and harsh with what they say. I can’t even watch a TV commercial without something being said that causes me to be concerned. And movies now use the F word so much that I wonder if anyone is even writing a story.
What can we do to turn the tide? We can teach our children and grandchildren and model how to talk to others with love, kindness, respect, and honor.
Love is expressed more in how we treat others than in what we buy them. A famous quote from Maya Angelou says, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Let’s celebrate the Love Month of February with words that show love and kindness.
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If you have not purchased our new devotional book, Treasure, it is not too late! Lane Jordan Burday and Lisa Burkhardt Worley, along with the POP Team, combined their talents to write the book, which is full of wonderful inspiration. You will be inspired by the messages, and receive daily treasure as God will speak to you through His Holy Spirit. To buy Treasure just click on the Amazon link that takes you directly to the page. https://tinyurl.com/2uj9sn5x.