Have you killed someone today?

I got your attention with that one huh? Have you killed someone today with your tongue?

Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue.

Bound in one small group of muscles called the tongue lies an instrument with huge potential for good or evil, that build up or to tear down, to empower or devour, to heal or to hurt. It all depends on how and when the joining together and splitting apart take place. Our words can make or break a marriage, paralyze or propel a friend, sew together or tear apart a relationship, build up or bury a dream, curse God or confess Christ. With our tongues we defend or destroy, heal or kill, cheer or churn. And we, as women, seem to be quite talented at deciding when and where to wield this tiny sword.

James paints a poignant picture of the power of our words:

James 3:3-6 "When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell"

We are shaped by words from those that love us or refuse to love us. We are shaped by the words of those who don't even know our names. It is the hearts cry of all mankind to be loved and accepted, and sometimes a simple words of encouragement can make all the difference.

William Barclay said, "One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement. It is easy to laugh at men's ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a tme a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man ( or woman) who speaks such a word."

Amazingly, our words have the capacity for both(encouragement or discouragement) and we are faced with the choice every time we speak as to which it will be.

Hebrew word for "mouth" is peh, is often translated "edge" Like a knife, the tongue has a sharp, powerful edge that can either be used to heal or destroy. Example, a knife in the hands of a skilled surgeon brings healing and life. But, a knife in the hands of a felon brings death and destruction. Like the surgeon we can study how to use our mouths to bring life to those around us. This is not easy...the tongue is difficult to control.

Words are POWERFUL!

Our words can spark a child to accomplish great things, encourage a husband to conquer the world, fan the dying embers of a friend's broken dreams into flame, encourage a fellow believer to run the race set before her, and draw a lost sould to Christ.

A careless word may kindle strife;

A cruel word may wreck a life.

A bitter word may hate instill;

A brutal word may smite and kill.

A gracious word may smooth the way;

A joyous word may light the day.

A timely word may lessen stress;

A loving word may heal and bless.

Author Unknown

Think about the words we use and how they affect others.

Which are you...the surgeon or felon?

So many times my mood sets what I say. Sometimes I am the surgeon ...but, sadly I feel too many times I am the felon. Unfortantely, I hurt the ones that mean the most to me with my words. I am going to work on improving this.

I am reading " The Power of A Woman's Words" By Sharon Jaynes.

The first 2 chapters are packed with so much information and encouragement. I just had to share with you what I read and what spoke most to me; also, how God is using the words from her book to make me think about what I am saying and how it affects others.

I just started chapter 3.

Words we use is a choice ....how it affects others can last a lifetime.

Join me today in chosing to be the surgeon with our words. This want be easy...but, maybe we will think before we speak.