Our words are POWERFUL!

That might seem like an odd opening statement, but our words have the power to inspire hope and confidence in others, to win other people over to your perspective in selling a product or concept. They also have the power to cause pain, to discourage, to create division and even start wars!

If we think back to our childhood, i am sure we could vividly recall a particular moment when someone spoke unkind words over us, to the point where we can probably even recall the feelings those words provoked in our hearts.

While the examples above speak of the inter-relational impact that words have, this words we use on ourselves also have a huge effect.

In the book of Proverbs, an ancient book filled with timeless wisdom, it says “Death and Life are in the power of the tongue…”

We can be our own worst critics or most committed supporters. How often when you make a mistake, do you chastise yourself with some derogatory comment that you wouldn’t think to make to someone else? And when you achieve something, or do something well, how often do you encourage or congratulate yourself?

Next time you make a mistake, instead of beating yourself up, choose something positive to say, like ‘Ok, i’ve learned how not to do it’, or ‘next time i’ll try harder’, and turn the moment into an opportunity to build yourself up and inject hope, rather than discourage and berate yourself.

Likewise, when you achieve something, encourage yourself by saying ‘well done’, ‘that hard work paid off’… etc

Our words contain the power to bring discouragement, disillusionment and pain, but they can also bring joy, encouragement and happiness to ourselves and others. We are often too quick to criticize and slow to show appreciation, rather we can choose to speak life over ourselves and others. 

You could pick someone today, and find something to compliment them on. Why not use words that will bring life today and make someone’s day, if only your own!