It’s Not Always What You Say That Is Wrong

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1

It is not always what you say that matters most…it is how you say it!

Thank you for been part of this month spiritual journey. Just want to remind you before we start a new month; words can be used as weapons to destroy someone or medicine to heal someone. I don’t believe we fully comprehend the power of the words we speak every single day. But I feel like we need to go even deeper than looking at what we say and start to carefully examine how we say it. Too many times we say things with a demeaning tone of voice that makes people feel put down or put out.

There are too many words spoken in an accusatory manner towards people that do nothing but heap guilt and shame on them. The problem I see is that those people who speak in the demeaning and accusatory tone usually walk away feeling justified – if not even proud – for “speaking their mind” or “keeping it real”. Do we realize the damage we are doing to people? There are literally people not in church today because of words spoken to them in the wrong manner. The words themselves may have been right – but it was the manner in which they were spoken that literally drove people away.

Dear reader, I challenge you to examine yourself today. Carefully look at the way you are speaking to people and the tone of voice you use. Learn to empathize with others by putting yourself in their place and asking yourself: How would I feel if someone spoke that way to me? It’s time to examine not just what we are saying but how we are saying.

Words matter…so be careful what you say today!