We know from experience that the power of words can make a difference. Careless words can wound. But carefully chosen words can brighten our world!
Today, I have the honor of welcoming my long-time blogging friend, Dianne Thornton to speak words of life to us. Dianne knows a thing or two about the power of words, having written on this topic extensively on her Sweeter than Honey blog. (Don’t you just love that name?)
As you read today’s post, I pray Dianne’s words will bless, uplift and encourage you.
How Our Words Can Brighten Our World
By Dianne Thornton
Where would we be without words? We use them constantly. We speak and think them. And we write and text them. Combined with music, they become the language of the heart. Even our body language translates into unspoken words. Crossed arms and a scowl can say, I’m mad at you. A gentle touch or a hug can say, I love you.
A few mornings ago when I came downstairs for my coffee, my sweet man asked me how I slept. I wasn’t quite awake, and I hadn’t found my voice. But I squeaked out, “Fine.” He didn’t hear me, so he asked again. Slightly irked and still not quite awake, I tried again. He still didn’t hear me. To make sure all was fine in my world, he asked one more time. I found my voice. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as kind as his. I growled out, “FINE!”
I sat down to read my Bible with the weight of conviction. Finally, I apologized for my outburst, explaining that my voice wasn’t working well. To which he replied, “Well, you certainly found it!” And then we laughed together.
Such is my life. On any given day, my words can be kind and encouraging one moment—harsh and biting the next. I know! This should not be the case! (James 3:10-11)
Words are how we communicate. But they are also tools. We can use them as weapons for destruction or as instruments for restoration. Used at the right time, the right words can brighten our world.
The Goal of Our Words
Every word we speak has a goal behind it.
When I tell my children that dinner is ready, my goal is for them to join my husband and me in conversation around some good food. I want us to talk about our day and to deepen our relationships.
But if one or more of them delays in joining us, my words have a different goal altogether. This time I add urgency to my words. I want them to come quickly so our food doesn’t get cold.
When an attorney argues her case before a jury, her goal is to persuade them to agree with her client’s position. When a teacher instructs a class, his plan is to transfer knowledge to his students. Whether or not they know it, when hurt teenagers lash out, their goal is to wound as surely as someone wounded them.
When we send a card to someone who is suffering, we want to soothe and heal. A phone call to a friend who is feeling lonely reminds them they aren’t alone. A text that encourages a friend to plug away at a difficult task can make a difference in their success or failure.
Some of the most damaging words are careless words. We’re tired, grumpy, and frustrated. Maybe even hungry. (Hangry!) The slightest thing sets us off. Often these words reveal what we thought we had kept hidden. However, as soon as we release them, they fly like wild arrows, wounding the unsuspecting.
We have all experienced the power of words.
The Power of Words
It takes skill to ensure that our words have the desired effect. And not a little self-control to keep damaging words from passing through our lips. Our words affect more than the hearer. Like concentric circles, they affect family, close friends, and an entire community.
The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians as a thank-you letter for supporting him financially. In it he prayed for them and encouraged their faith. At the end of his letter, Paul addressed an issue between two women in their church. These were faithful women who had served alongside Paul, fighting for the gospel. But something between them was causing division among the members of their church. We get a hint of this when Paul encourages the church to “do everything without grumbling or arguing” (Philippians 2:14, NIV).
Paul wanted these women to live together in unity. He wanted the Philippian church unified as well. Expressing love toward one another, they could reach their entire community for Christ (John 13:35). They would shine as bright lights in the darkness of the Greco-Roman culture, which included Greek Mythology as the mainstay of their religion.
What Paul told the Philippians holds true for us today. As believers, our culture observes everything about us, especially our interactions with one another, how we speak to one another. Do we grumble? Do we argue? Are we petty?
Or, as Paul challenges, do our words brighten our world? Do our lifestyles reflect the light of Christ?
Tweet ThisOur Words Can Carry Life and Light
Our words don’t have to be eloquent. To have an impact, they just need to be real.
- Words of instruction turn on the light of understanding (Psalm 119:130).
- Words of encouragement brighten hurting hearts (Proverbs 25:11).
- Praying lifts the darkness of carrying heavy burdens alone (Romans 15:30; Galatians 6:2).
- The purity of our everyday speech shines the light of Jesus as a beacon on a hill (Matthew 5:14).
And sometimes, the unspoken words accompanied by our mere presence bring comfort to those who are grieving.
Do you know a wounded soul? Someone who carries a heavy burden? Is a friend suffering in solitude? Does a friend need an encouraging word to press through obstacles to reach their goals?
Let’s use our words! When our goal is to encourage, instruct, soothe, or heal, not only can our words brighten our world, they can change lives!
How about you?
Have you noticed the effect of the power of words in your life? How has that shaped the way you use your words?
Who can you reach out to today to brighten their world with your words?
Meet Dianne
Dianne’s passion is connecting with God through His Word–the Source of Life, Love, and Truth. She knows that true satisfaction is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ, and shares with women how they can experience that, too. You can connect with Dianne on her blog, Sweeter Than Honey, and on Facebook and Instagram.
This post is part of the Shining Like Stars series. Read all of them here.
Share the love, spread the shine!
If you enjoyed this post, please share it with a friend. Click on any of the share buttons to pass it on.
Looking for more encouraging and inspiring content? Check out these amazing sites where I link up my weekly posts.
‘Every word we speak has a goal behind it.’ I can chew on that all day. Thank you, Dianne! Praying for the power to pause and prayerfully consider the goal of my words before I speak them. I would love to brighten my world with my words and shine the light of Jesus. Thanks for this positive piece on the power of our words.
I had to laugh at your beginning story about answering FINE. 🙂 I’ve done similar things. Grateful for understanding spouses. ha. This is all wonderful reminders to be thoughtful about how we use our tongues; they are tools.
Isn’t that the truth, Lisa! And right before my quiet time. But some days, that’s just how things roll.
This is such a well-written exploration of the power of words, Dianne! It’s amazing how one timely word of encouragement or affirmation can fuel me for days, weeks, even months on end. I’m reminded today to be more generous in words of kindness and encouragement to others.
Hey, Jana. I have words like that, too. A word “fitly spoken” is a treasure, indeed.
Beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this. Our words and our tone hold so much power. We have to use them to uplift more than anything else. I am guilty of using them unwisely at times because I truly forget how powerful they really are.
Oh, Brittany. I’ve used my words unwisely more often than I’d like to admit. But thankfully, each day is a new beginning … each hour, each minute! And our great God forgives and can heal the wounds we inflict. But it’s an awful feeling, I know that for sure. Blessings to you, sweet Sister!