4 Key Principles to the Words We Use

I enjoy baking my daughters' birthday cakes and making homemade buttercream frosting. There was one time where I wasn't feeling good but I was determined to make the frosting but I wanted to get it done quickly...so what do you do when you are in a hurry, you toss the full 1 pound bag of powdered sugar with the rest of the ingredients all at once instead of incorporating it slowly....or at least that's what I did.

POOF! It was an unfortunate mess once I turned on my Kitchen-aid Mixer. I realized in this moment that delicate ingredients do not need to be carelessly tossed in a powerful mixer. Much like our words, we sometimes use them irresponsibly and end up with a big mess, just like my kitchen.

I think that we often forget, or don't even realize the significance behind the words that we use to communicate. There are actually 4 key principles behind words that we use.

1. Words reveal what's in the heart. (Luke 6:45) Especially under stress, the words we use communicate beliefs that we carry in our core. When someone you care about gets upset, what are they saying? Do they tend to blame others and play a victim role? Do they put themselves down and only see their value when they are performing perfectly? What do you often find yourself saying? Are you a name-dropper who finds pride in the people that you know? What would something like that reveal to others about how you find your identity?
2. A disciplined tongue is a sign of spiritual maturity. (James 3:2) With practice and spending more time with the Lord, His character rubs off on us and we become more like Him, more mature and having better control over our words.
3. Words steer the direction of a person's life. (James 3:3-4) What are some words, negative or positive, that were spoken to you that have influenced the decisions you have made in life? How can you use your words to help others prosper and be encouraged?
4. Words give life or death. (Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 18:20-21) We have three gates to our hearts: the eye, ear and mouth. What you are consuming through the gates will plants seeds that will one day become a harvest. Not only are your words powerful with others, but they also cultivate life or death in our own hearts.

How can you use your words responsibly this week? Think of someone you have discouraged and write their name down in your prayer journal. Pray for that person and get God's perspective on that individual. Seek reconciliation and make right for using your words irresponsibly, then speak life and encouragement.

If you need help with being a better encourager, seek a local spiritual mentor to encourage you. (It's hard to give encouragement if you don't have it for yourself.)

For women needing a monthly mentoring community with Diana to get guidance on all areas of family life and personal breakthrough, go to https://www.dianabigham.com/ascend

Also, join Diana's free Facebook community for more quick tips. https://www.facebook.com/groups/dianabigham/