Hope of Glory by Lisa Thacker

How do the power of words operate in our daily lives strengthen or hurt those around us - not just within family relationships, but within all relationships?

We know that God is a God of blessing - the Bible makes that clear. The Bible also shows that God's people are to be people of blessing. In Matthew 5:43-44, Jesus commanded us not only to bless our loved ones, but to bless our enemies as well. Why does God want us to bless our enemies? Especially those who curse us, or hate us, or those who despitefully use us and persecute us. Our flesh does not want to bless anyone in any of these categories. Perhaps we would want to retaliate, seek vengeance, or get even in our own little way. How would you respond?

We need to understand that the Lord pours out His power and favor on us, and like Abraham, He appoints us to be a blessing. He has delegated to us the role of conveying His grace to others. One of the primary ways by which we can do this, is through the power of our daily words. "Death and life" says Proverbs 18:21 are in the power of the tongue. Nowhere is this more real than in the dynamics of family life.

The words parents speak to their children day in and day out, even in casual conversation, create an atmosphere in the home over time that either chokes and poisons their young spirits or nourishes and strengthens them. This same principle can be applied in our church. The results of our daily conversations can be devastating or life-giving: Proverbs 12:18 "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health."

We have a daily choice as daughters, sisters, mothers, aunts, and grandmothers to speak "life or death" to each other. Speaking "death" - destroying someone's self-esteem and worth, with negative labels, nicknames, reputations, or predictions of failure. Are you a prophet? Ladies, this is what the Bible calls "cursing." Even if we rarely inflict this kind of verbal injury on people, we may still be guilty of draining the life from their spirits by our negligence or reluctance to "speak well" of them. Sometimes we will wait until someone is dead and we stand at their funeral before when we will speak well of them. It's sad that we wait until people are gone before we eulogize them, before we "speak of them well."

Proverbs 25:11 - "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." An appropriate expression of appreciation is an honor to the recipient, whether it is given privately or in the presence of others. Now is the best time to honor each other with such blessings. This kind of blessing is not limited to words spoken about people. It can also refer to words we use when speaking directly to them. Words that show respect (speaking "life") can elevate their self-esteem, their level of performance and most of all their attitude.

Some people like to give commands as if they were a drill sergeant, rather than use a polite request to motivate people. Most of the time when people are told to "do this" or "bring me that" their morale and productivity suffer. If we would consider what a difference could be made by rewording our requests with a genuine "would you mind" or "could you please" we could create a more joyful, efficient environment. Then when the job is finished, a "Thank You" or "I appreciate what you did" could be an added blessing.

In Ephesians 4:29 Paul said "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Kind words can be said in public or private. They will always be appreciated and could help change the behavior of the person on the receiving end.

All of us should live peacably, and try to understand each other. Jesus commanded us to love one another as we love ourselves, so be humble. Do not do wrong to a person to pay them back for doing wrong to you. Do not insult someone to pay them back for insulting you. Do not talk negative about someone who has talked negative about you. Instead, ask God to bless that person. Do this because you were called to receive a blessing.

The reason we bless anyone by speaking well of them is not to control them or to squeeze a little more from them. We bless people because it's the right thing to do. Period! Receiving a blessing in return is simply a bondus that God provides for obeying Him.

In order for a blessing of this type (the kind word or expression of praise) to be well received, it must meet at least 2 conditions.

1. It must be warranted. You may have to think hard to find a quality you can praise in someone -- even, at times, your own children, ladies ... Keep looking - you'll find it. An unwarranted blessing is empty and hollow. It's not really a blessing at all.
2. It must be sincere. An insincere compliment is easily detected, and it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of both the giver and the receiver. A sincere compliment builds the confidence of those around us more than almost anything else we can do. If we stop and think about it, do we really appreciate those around us? We have an opportunity right now. Numbers 6:23-27

Maybe you haven't been regularly blessing people with kind words that come from a heart of gratitude. Start now. Desire the best for peopl eby taking the initiative and speaking up positively. Make an active commitment to bless those around you daily, and allow God to do His part!