Read Proverbs 12:18
“Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That phrase is one of the biggest lies ever told. I can vividly remember mean things that were said to me when I was 12 years old in the 7th grade. Twelve years later I still remember. Words stick and words can hurt.
“Reckless words pierce like a sword.”
Proverbs 12:18
When we speak without thinking, our words often times become reckless and reckless words have the power to hurt. They become a dangerous weapon. We have, at one time or another, experienced both ends of this, either hurting with reckless words or we are the one being hurt by words. What if went from reckless to intentional?
The second part of that same verse explains that “the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Intentionality with your speech can bring healing. Stop and think about who you can encourage today. Maybe you need to bring healing to a relationship by apologizing to that person whether that’s a family member, co-worker, or friend.
Even more than the words that hurt me when I was younger, I remember the encouragement I got from a coach or that time when I felt drained at work and my boss told me he was proud to have me on staff.
You have the opportunity to make an impact on someone’s day by speaking life and encouragement to them.
Corey Rehm
Speak life
Start by writing the name of someone you want to encourage. Pray for them and go intentionally speak life and healing into their life.