The Power of Words - Part I

"I didn't mean it."
"I was just kidding."
"Don't be so sensitive."
"Can't you take a joke?"
"Just get over it."
"You take things too seriously."
"Stop dwelling on it."

How many times have you heard someone use any of the above phrases to explain away their own barbed comments?

Words matter. They have the power to bring about restoration, and they can also destroy trust - bringing about discord that may take years to overcome. The influence of words often remains with us for decades, affecting our sense of worth, motivation, and how we relate to others.

Changing the pattern of the words we use isn't a matter of "just doing it" like the old Nike slogan - it's much deeper than that. We may intellectually know our words are hurtful (and sometimes the mean-spirited words we use may be intentional to hurt the person we've been hurt by); it's another thing to change. If we have deep-seated anger, bitterness, and pride, our words reflect the unresolved hurts we harbor.

Knowingly or unknowingly, the words we use are an indication of the pain in our own hearts that perhaps has been pushed down for so long we don't even know what it's all about.

Be very aware of the words you speak and you may get some clues about what's in your heart.

Next month we'll talk about the power of affirming words.

Read Part II