Everyone around you is looking for encouragement and acceptance. It is up to you and me to give it, or create chaos in a life. Your words are the only thing, once it has left you, that you cannot get back. You can speak power into them or drag them down with poorly-put words. James 3:6 says, “the tongue…sets the course of his life…” Let me illustrate this truth with commonly used phrases:
Poorly Put
#1 “Not now.”
#2 “You’re stupid.”
#3 “You can’t.”
#4 “Good for nothing.”
#5 “You never.”
#6 “It’s your fault.”
#7 “I fell out of love”
#8 “You’re a liar.”
#9 “Do you ever listen?!”
#10 “Forget it.”
Pure Power
#1 “I’m wrong.”
#2 “You can do it.”
#3 “I believe in you.”
#4 “I love you.”
#5 “I’m proud of you.”
#6 “Thank you.”
#7 “I need you.”
#8 “I trust you.”
#9 “I respect you.”
#10 “Please forgive me.”
Add to these list and let’s empower those around us with Pure Power!
The “Pure Power” is a awesome list. It list the Humbling , Loving, Trusting, and Encouraging words that are not spoking enough. One of the hardest I think is #1, admitting I am wrong, and then #10, asking for forgiveness. Thank you for posting these lists. I believe it is a sadness for the Father, to see that more of the “Poorly Put” words are spoken more than the “Pure Power”.
Power of life and death in the tongue!
Joe White from Kanakuk Kamps used to have a poster on his wall titled “1000 Ways to Praise a Kid”. When I was doing youth ministry, and now as a houseparent, I try to find a compliment for each kid I come into contact with each day. Some days are easier than others. But if we are looking throught eyes of Christ we can see the good in others, and we should share that with them, as hard as it may be for us to see it, it is even more difficult for them. Thanks Shannon.