April 12, 2013 Good Words Require Work

Read Proverbs 12 Good Words Require Work Proverbs 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. I’M guilty of it, and I imagine you are, too. Being human and inheriting Adam’s sin nature, it’s a sure thing that you and I have spoken words that have been reckless and have cut like a sword. I’m thankful for people along the years in my life who have corrected me, and I hope you are, too. As we at First Reformed Church in Waupun have focused on the biblical blessing and will continue to do so, one great lesson that comes out of understanding God’s blessing is the power of the spoken word. As you speak to your spouse, your parents, your children, your friends and many more, you have the power to cut them down and destroy them. And you have the power to build them up into strength and affirmation. The spoken word can humiliate others or honor them. The spoken word can cause a child to wonder, “Does my dad love me?” and the spoken word can assure a wife, “My husband loves me.” Unfortunately, people—that’s you and me—born into sin, find it very difficult to speak affirming, building up words. But those affirming words are necessary to every single person around you. Stop being ashamed to speak good words to people. Instead be eager and willing to say, “You’ve done well. I think you’re really good at being a mom, a dad. I’m very glad you’re my son, my daughter.” Speak truth. Speak honor. Speak well. Y ou will know God’s blessing for you and those you love. It’s True! Good words require intentional effort. They are worth the work.