March 17, 2013 Do You Curse or Bless?

Read Psalm 109 Do You Curse or Bless? Psalms 109:16-17 For he never thought of doing a kindness, but hounded to death the poor and the needy and the brokenhearted. 17 He loved to pronounce a curse — may it come on him; he found no pleasure in blessing — may it be far from him. DAVID speaks here and throughout the psalm against people who have cursed him with words and actions. In fact, this psalm is partly David’s prayer to God to curse those who curse him. But what strikes me most are these two verses above. And I ask, “Do you speak words that curse or bless?” I have just come from a conversation in which of those present talked of relatives and friends who are broken in drug addiction. The talk also included words of separation between parents and children. For example, “They never did get along.” I know. Not “getting along” does not always lead to drug abuse, but not “getting along” is a cursed relationship. Cursing words and actions include such language as, “You never will amount to anything.” “Can’t you get it right?” “Why can’t you be like your brother?” “Here, let me do it, so it’s done right.” Do those words ring any bells? If so, I urge you to stop and consider what you say to your children, spouse and friends. Too often we “love to pronounce a curse”. We think we have to keep telling people how bad or wrong they are, so they’ll “straighten up”. After a while, they’ll believe you, and they’ll do their best to be the person you say they are. Often that leads people to seek comfort in all the wrong places. Change your language. Dress up your loved ones in blessing. Doing so, you will help them see God’s blessings for them. It’s True! Your words have a profound effect on how people “dress” each day.