It’s easy to not realize the impact our words are having on the people we love. I recall that early in our marriage, I was so used to having and doing things the way I wanted them done that I let Joel know that he should get with the program. My words at times were not gracious and upbuilding. I’ll never forget the day when God spoke to me and said, “Victoria, if you don’t begin to choose your words wisely, you’re going to be sorry.” He was saying, “Your own words will work against you.” It brought tears to my eyes, and I realized just how serious this matter was. I had to focus on the grace and love I should be extending to Joel with my words.
Sometimes we just throw caution to the wind with our words, not thinking they’re going to return to us and impact our relationships. But what you say to and about others is going to affect them and you. The writer of Proverbs says we are going to eat from the fruit of our lips. We need to carefully choose the words we speak to others, because the truth is that we are going to be a product of what we say.
My question is, are you making positive deposits of kindness and faith in other people’s lives, adding value and joy to their lives? Or are you making withdrawals from other people’s emotional banks, depleting the value of their lives through criticism and negativity? Do you have a building mentality, someone who is using your words and actions to have a positive influence on the lives around you?
We need to realize that as children of the living God, we are builders of people and the kingdom of God. We are intended to create with our words. The apostle Paul says, “Never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them” (Ephesians 4:29). Not only can you build people up with your words, but you can find the best in them and bring it out of them. Your words can be the glue that holds your relationships together when you speak positive, faith-filled words to others.
It’s easy to see what’s wrong with others, and it’s easy to cut people down and be at odds with them. But it takes a builder to see what’s right and to know how to help them. You can make a difference in the lives of the people around you by making grace-filled deposits into their accounts. Be a builder today.