Yesterday, the weather turned from grey skies and forecasts of snow to a very pleasant 65 degrees. Taking advantage of the sunshine, my husband and I went for a walk at our local park.

As we were walking along the road, a car passed us heading towards the exit. A small voice came from the window, “I like your jacket! Your sweater is pretty!” Caught off guard, I found a child cheerleading from the window and spreading sunshine.

“Thanks!” I shouted back, and she just smiled as her parents kept cruising.

Words have power.

They have the power to build up or the power to tear down, and it is up to us how we choose to wield this weapon.  This little girl chose to don her tongue for good, and the purpose of building one another up.

If you take a moment to reflect, I’m sure you can remember words that brought a smile to your face or inspired you in an unlikely way.  Even easier, you can remember words that cut deep. In several cases, the author of those words may not even know the weight you carry because of them. Likewise, we can say things that cut without even knowing it.

But with intentionality, we can wield our words for good.

Like the little girl, we can give compliments freely. We can drop the criticism and pick up the pom poms. Everyone could use a pep-talk, let’s give it to them! There’s a reason everyone loves Jerry’s ‘mat talks’ on “Cheer.” Positivity breeds courage and inspires us to be our best selves.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.  And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

– 1 Thessalonians 5:11-18

In what ways do you need to put down your tongue as a sword? How can you use your words to empower?

-Emilie