Having listened to words being exchanged this week, it reminds me of a former co-worker. I had begun a new job to work with at risk teenage boys and she told me early on that she had a reputation for being known as, and I will say it politely, difficult. Now, this did not impress me in any way and I recall thinking that I would not want to be known for the word she chose to use. As time went on and as I observed how disgruntled the boys were, that were in her care, I had a better understanding of what she meant.. I have previously shared my thoughts on words. All it takes it someone to ignite a little fire with hurtful and damaging words and before we know it, others have jumped on the bandwagon of inflicting meanness and pain with their demeaning words of insult, criticism and judgement. I have lost my way many times in my years and I recall the very low times. Even though I struggled, I had an assurance deep in my heart that helped me to keep on. Because of my experiences I was determined to be an encourager, to be kind and gentle with my words and to build up and not tear down. In Isaiah 64:6, it says But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. I think we could all live peaceably on earth, if we would take time to examine our own hearts and see what needs to be plucked out. Kind of like weeds that will overtake and strangle the good if we don’t remove them. We don’t have to stay in that place of darkness, hopelessness or meanness. I love the song Amazing Grace.. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost but now I am found, was blind but now I see.
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a grievous word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1
Words Like Honey 