Words have Power
Today I have been inspired by a sermon I just heard about WORDS. Words can either give life or give death. (Reference: Proverbs 18:21). The words we say can either uplift someone or tear them down. They can either lift us up or tear us down.
Remember the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me”? We all know that is so untrue. Sometimes words slung at us in meanness, anger, jealousy or judgement can be very painful.
I imagine most of us can remember something negative someone said to us in our past. Whether it’s our recent past or our childhood, we can still recall it today. It hurt. It stuck with us for days, months, years, decades. On the flip side of that, if we are repeatedly spoken to with positive, uplifting words, that sticks with us as well. But I have heard it takes 5 to 10 positive statements to counteract the impact of one negative statement. For some reason, our brains hold on to the negative much longer.
Negativity can come in the form of gossip, criticism, judgment or pure anger. Read my post on Putting Up Emotional Fences, to help block out some of the negativity.
Use Words Wisely
So, what are we to do? How can we use our words to make the lives of others better?
- Find positive attributes to make comments on whenever possible.
- Encourage others to be their best, to go after their dreams, to discover who they are.
- Be the light in a dark world. It is amazing to think of what an impact we can have on others.
In the book, The 5 Love Languages, by Gary Chapman, he explores the different ways people, in general, receive love. One of the ways is Words of Affirmation. I would venture to say that most of us appreciate a true heart-felt, thank you, a compliment, a way-to-go or other encouraging words. I challenge myself and those of you reading this to find ways in your own life to use words of affirmation with the people in your world.
From experience, I know that some may be resistant to hearing these words at first. Especially coming from you. Stay the course. Use this time to be an encourager of others.
Conversely, if someone has said negative things to you in the past or even currently, be willing to forgive and realize they are dealing with their own things, perhaps a lack of their own self-worth. You have heard the phrase, “Hurt people, hurt people.” That doesn’t mean everyone who is hurt, will hurt someone else.
But most people who do hurt others were hurt themselves. Perhaps you can speak words of affirmation into their life if that is possible. Even more importantly, if you don’t currently have someone in your life who is speaking life-giving words to you, speak them to yourself.
Change the negative tape that plays over and over in your head. Start receiving affirming words from yourself. If you are open to reading the bible, I encourage you to seek out what God says about you and your identity. Just a heads up…He thinks you are pretty awesome and He loves you!
Final thought, start speaking words of affirmation to those around you today, including yourself! You are amazing and have only just begun to be your best self!
I agree with everything you’ve said here!! Whoever said “sticks and stones may break my bones but words would never hurt them” LIED !! Words are powerful! What you speak into the atmosphere has power as well as what you to choose to believe !! Great post 💜 I’m glad I came across your post today! I’d love for you to drop by and see my latest whenever you get the chance !! https://jessierenea.com/3-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-focus-on-the-blog-stats/
Great post! I like your writing style. It’s efficient, and clear. Not an easy combination. Definitely find it interesting that we hold onto negative comments more closely than positive ones. I wonder why.
Thank you for the feedback. I don’t know why we hold on to the negative like we do, but that’s why it is important to surround ourselves with those who lift us up. If we can’t find anyone…we have to do it ourselves!