As a writer, words are very important to me. When my grandkids tell me they don’t like to read it rattles everything inside of me. I try to encourage them by asking how they will ever read what Gramma writes if they don’t learn to read. No, those are not the magic words to change their minds. 

I’m not the only one who takes words seriously. Father, the One who gives us our mouth and tongue, listens to see how we use them. In my primary Bible, the CJB, Matthew 12:36-37 reads: “Moreover, I tell you this: on the Day of Judgment people will have to give an account for every careless word they have spoken; for by your own words you will be acquitted, and by your own words you will be condemned.” The same passage in The Message version reads: “Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation.” Which version gives you the best understanding of what Jesus is saying?

Words have the ability to turn a person’s heart, either way. A child who is told how he always messes things up, breaks everything, disobeys, fails to listen, or any number of other negative comments, learns to react in a negative manner. They begin to feel their worth is less than that of others and usually, they begin to care less because of your careless words. But if you regularly let them know that mistakes are normal and you forgive them when they are sorry, you will encourage them to not be afraid to try. You have the power to build confidence or destroy all hope.

Jesus said: “This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you’re not on my side, you’re the enemy; if you’re not helping, you’re making things worse.” (Matthew 12:30) If your gut reaction is to sling hurtful statements that start with: “You never…,” or “You always…,” check yourself before you let your words fly. It’s probably best to do as I was raised; if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything. Then go back through your memory bank and find something good to say so that you will find yourself on the side that is helping.

Words are very sticky and nothing made by humans can remove them. Place them carefully.