This week, someone said something to me that hurt my feelings. This is someone I am close to and they absolutely were not trying to hurt my feelings. At all. But it reminded me of the scripture, Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power to build up or destroy, bringing life and death.” It is so true. The words spoken to me stung. It zapped my energy and mood for the rest of the day.

This has challenged me to reflect on my own words. I know I have hurt others with my words. Embarrassingly, sometimes it has been intentional, and I’m sure I have hurt people and have no idea that I did.

Words that bring life: encouragement, healing, and peace. I want my words to be an encouragement to others. I am not by nature a words of affirmation girl, but I strive to be better. I want to speak truth and be kind and to bring joy to others.

Conversely, words that bring death are gossip, lies, slander, and harsh criticism. These can all bring emotional, social and even spiritual harm. Words cannot be unspoken. We can forgive those who hurt us, but we don’t un-hear the words. We can’t take back words once they have left our mouth.

Words are a gift. We are on the only species on the planet that have the gift of words and speech. As crappy as negative words can make us feel, I imagine that kind or uplifting words are on the other end of the pendulum. I hope that my words can make someone’s day or change their mood or outlook for the better.

I’m curious, what came to mind first for you? A time that someone’s words hurt you and it stuck wit you, or a time someone’s words encouraged you and lifted you up?