My girlfriend and I have been discussing just how much our words have power and I continue to see examples of just how true this is.
There is a verse found in Proverbs 18:21 ‘The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit’.
A young lady recently shared with me how my words impacted her. She had come to me for guidance and I told her something that she had clung to for many years, allowing her to accomplish a dream she had.
I shared this story on social media when it happened because I was just so stunned that someone would say such callous words to a stranger and to someone they were trying to sell to.
Someone called me about being in a book fair. I had received an email prior and had wondered if it was a door that the Lord was opening. But, I had also done nothing with the email. I saw a California number come up on my phone and decided to answer. It was this same company that had emailed.
As someone who is paying attention to potential scams, I asked ‘Is this something I need to pay for?’ The rep got defensive and I told her I wasn’t interested after listening to her spiel.
Her response to me: ‘This is why your book has 5 reviews after 3 years’.
Wait.. What?
I told her how rude her comment was and that I had learned all I needed to know about her and the company.
Wow! Did she really say that to someone she was trying to sell to?
Life and death in the power of the tongue.
If I were in a different space in my life, that comment might have thrown me over the edge.
Life and death.
But thankfully, I remembered who I was and my assignment. My assignment has always been to reach just one person with my writing. Just one – so the fact that all of five people took the time to write a review is incredible.
Friends, let us be kind with those we interact with. We never know what they are dealing with in their lives.
Our tongues have the power for both life and death. I pray we choose life when we speak with others.
By the way, if I’ve hurt you with my words, I sincerely apologize.
Dear Heavenly Father, if I have ever used my words carelessly or to intentionally hurt others, please forgive me. Please remind me that my words carry power and to use them wisely to bless and honor those whom you have given me the privilege to interact with.