“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” (Hebrews 13:15 ESV).
This week we will be taking a look at our words and how best to use them to develop and maintain a grateful and thankful life.
We have all been there. A parent, sibling, friend, co-worker, or somebody we don’t even know wielded their tongue like a sword, jabbing at us with hurtful or demeaning words. Maybe we responded with grace or kept the hurt to ourselves. Or perhaps we pulled our own sword and fought back wound for wound.
There is no question about the power of words. They can build up like a mountain beneath our feet, lifting us to highs we never thought possible; or they can tear us down and leave us in scattered pieces, as weapons of mass destruction.
Words can escalate minor disagreements to hatred or war. Politicians have used them cleverly for millennia to incite entire people groups to racism and xenophobia. Words have turned otherwise kind and loving people into murderers and terrorists.
James said, “For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! …but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:2,5,8 ESV). His words are almost demoralizing! Is there no hope?
Let’s continue to look at what God’s Word has to say about this tomorrow.
Blessings on your week!
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Skipping Stones 