Oh how easy it is to say something mean to or about others.
It could be a joke about someone's shortcomings. It can be an angry retort to your spouse. It can be an irritated response to your child. No matter who is on the receiving end of these words, it will be hurtful.
I know spouses who constantly cuss at each other. I know wives who constantly nag their husbands (and vice-versa!). I know parents who frequently scream at their children.
All of these things indicate to the person on the receiving end, that they are not worthy.
They are not worthy of your respect, or love.
If you have been on the receiving end of this, you know how hurtful it is. You know how it degrades your self-esteem, and confidence in yourself.
I have been on both ends of this. I have had my share of lashing out at the people I love, and the people I do not even know. I have had my share of people saying hurtful things to me, or about me.
It hurts.
That nagging remark you made to your spouse the other day? That tore them down a bit.
That joke about the overweight lady you made? That eroded her self-confidence.
The way you screamed and yelled at your child? That broke their spirit just a little bit, and took away a sense of security from them.
None of these things builds anyone up. Every word is like termites in a wood house. Slowly the wood is eaten until the structure is unstable, and completely falls apart.
In contrast, your words have the ability to change lives positively as well. My husband and I try to ensure we are always positive with each other. We always let each other know we appreciate their efforts. Our goal is to never make each other feel taken for granted.
My brother commented on it once. He said, "Why do you always thank each other? He is your husband, he is supposed to do those things."
I thank him because I love him, and appreciate all he does for me. He does the same thing. Appreciation for each other is one way we build each other up.
There have been times where we have failed in building each other up, but we are quick to forgive and encourage each other.
There have been times when Emma has driven me nuts, and I have tried pushing her away. However, I always try to catch myself, and make a point to stop what I am doing and give her the love and attention she needs. Because pushing her away only tears her down.
The tongue is a POWERFUL weapon that can be used for good and bad. What will you use it for?
It could be a joke about someone's shortcomings. It can be an angry retort to your spouse. It can be an irritated response to your child. No matter who is on the receiving end of these words, it will be hurtful.
I know spouses who constantly cuss at each other. I know wives who constantly nag their husbands (and vice-versa!). I know parents who frequently scream at their children.
All of these things indicate to the person on the receiving end, that they are not worthy.
They are not worthy of your respect, or love.
If you have been on the receiving end of this, you know how hurtful it is. You know how it degrades your self-esteem, and confidence in yourself.
I have been on both ends of this. I have had my share of lashing out at the people I love, and the people I do not even know. I have had my share of people saying hurtful things to me, or about me.
It hurts.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says to encourage each other and build each other up.
That nagging remark you made to your spouse the other day? That tore them down a bit.
That joke about the overweight lady you made? That eroded her self-confidence.
The way you screamed and yelled at your child? That broke their spirit just a little bit, and took away a sense of security from them.
None of these things builds anyone up. Every word is like termites in a wood house. Slowly the wood is eaten until the structure is unstable, and completely falls apart.
In contrast, your words have the ability to change lives positively as well. My husband and I try to ensure we are always positive with each other. We always let each other know we appreciate their efforts. Our goal is to never make each other feel taken for granted.
My brother commented on it once. He said, "Why do you always thank each other? He is your husband, he is supposed to do those things."
I thank him because I love him, and appreciate all he does for me. He does the same thing. Appreciation for each other is one way we build each other up.
There have been times where we have failed in building each other up, but we are quick to forgive and encourage each other.
There have been times when Emma has driven me nuts, and I have tried pushing her away. However, I always try to catch myself, and make a point to stop what I am doing and give her the love and attention she needs. Because pushing her away only tears her down.
The tongue is a POWERFUL weapon that can be used for good and bad. What will you use it for?
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