Words are like meals, whether ingested or served. They are a huge part of how we communicate with one another, and so the essence, intention, message and tone surrounding them matter.

Otherwise why would we even be making an effort to learn and use them in the first place? Words serve a purpose for a reason, whether thought, read, written or spoken.

Many who think or say words don’t matter tend to have that opinion as long as they are (only) fed words they like to hear. Some recklessly dish out words they’d never expect or want to be served. The respect they demand in no way resembles the lack of respect selectively shown others.

Sometimes we are the ones who think, speak or accept less-than-savoury words about who we are or what we do, whether influenced by past experiences, present challenges or personal struggles.

Thus, today’s post on:

Watching Words You Both Receive And Declare

I’m not elated to share I’ve heard (and thought or said) both words that heal and words that wound but am thankful for the truth and necessary daily reminder that “death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (KJV)

You like fruits? Me too – except rotten ones.

Words – as fruits – are sweeter when sweetened and nutritious, not when bitter and toxic.

To better understand how words affect the mind of the receiver, it’s helpful to consider some variables with regards to the word sender. When you’re upset or angry with or disappointed by someone, think for a sec about the:

• source (where does that thought come from? Above or below?)
• facial expression
• tone of voice
• specific words used and emphasized
• intention driving the thoughts & speech
• last sentence said
• the unspoken feeling you experience when finished

Ever heard of ‘fighting words?’ Y’know – snide stinging remarks that could trigger an unpleasant reaction or downright brawl if there’s no restraint. Words can prompt tears, comfort a hurting heart, encourage and motivate a crowd, and calm a vocal storm.

Actions mean a lot, but so do words.

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How many times have you heard someone say something like, “I’d like to do this or that but I’m not that smart or I need this or that first…” or “so and so won’t work out for me like how it does for you…?” or even worse – things like “I’m such a this or that?”

The words we accept or declare over ourselves and others matter.

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We are either helping or hurting.

Not everything that’s said has to be absorbed and internalized (especially when you’re washed by The Word) but being conscious about our sonic environment makes a big difference in our state of mind and quality of life.

Words are best used as healthy food and not poisonous arrows.

 

Watching our words inevitably means monitoring our thoughts

We’re all works in progress, and there’s room for light moments and corny jokes to whatever degree floats your boat and fast forgiveness…but still…

Let’s remember that our brain (or someone else’s) is listening to the words we choose to cook up and serve

Let’s be conscious of the ones we receive and digest as well as the ones we speak

“Watching Words We Receive And Declare” was first published on ‘Joy within‘ blog