How to use your words wisely

Hello Brave Hearted Steppers,

Use your words wisely takes effort as it means to speak with great care and consideration, especially so as to avoid causing trouble or offense. Did you know that using your words wisely determines the outcome of your conversation? If you use negative words, your conversation will end up on a negative note. If you use positive words, your conversation will end up on a positive note.

Proverbs 27:19 says, “…so the heart reflects the real person.” and “…for whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” (Matthew 12:34). Are your words reflecting the real you?

James 3:10 says, “And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!”. This reminds us that we are not the only ones affected by the words we use.

Here is a recent scenario: I was at the pharmacy, in line to pick up a prescription. There was a man that was near the drop off window and then walked his way towards the pharmacy register, not realizing there was a line forming in the next aisle. The lady behind me was getting angry and asked me, "Is he cutting the line?" 

Now, before I tell you how I responded, how would you have responded to the lady? Would you have said, yes, he is trying to cut in front of us! I'm going to say something! or would you use your words wisely and ask the man if he was aware that the line for prescription pickup was in the next aisle?

I responded to the lady, he was not attempting to cut the line on purpose. He was just at the drop off window and was told by the pharmacist to go to the cashier. The man did not realize, nor was told that he had to go in line which was in the next aisle, where I and the lady were. The lady was more understanding that he was told to do so by the pharmacist. He went ahead of us (which did not take long at all) and then the cashier took me and the rest of the people that were in line. As you can see, how much of an impact using our words wisely can make on others. I feel that if I didn't use my words wisely, things would have escalated and we all would have been there wasting time and energy on something that could have been resolved by just asking a clarifying question.

This scenario brings another reminder to not let your feelings dictate what you are going to say. Be thoughtful before speaking. James 1:19 says, “…You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak….” You can even bite your tongue if you need to. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Guard your testimony with your words! Philippians 4:14 says, “do everything without complaining and arguing.” Do you? If so, you will shine brightly, reflecting Jesus, the LIGHT that lives in you! If not, I pray you will receive this reminder and use it in your daily conversation!

Always remember, “…anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)…this means the words you use is also included in this promise from God!

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for always being there and knowing exactly which area we need molding and
growth. I ask you to help not only the people who have read this blog post, myself included in using our words wisely. We know that it will take time to adjust to using our words wisely, but we ask you to help with the process. I ask you, in the name of Jesus! Amen.

The next blog post is scheduled for Friday, March 3, 2023, on living fully dressed in the Armor of God.

Many Blessings,
Maria Guzman