Toxic Words

Some people make cutting remarks,
but the words of the wise bring healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

Today My devotional was about toxic words. When we think toxic thoughts those little toxic words just roll right off our tongue. Sometimes they slide right out before we even think twice about them.

It's so easy to turn our thoughts into spoken words that might hurt someone. The devotional asked, "are the words you speak most toxic or life-giving?" We can do so much with the simple words we speak. We can lift people up and we can bring people down. We can encourage dreams and we can shatter dreams.

I know I've been guilty of both; toxic and life-giving.

For most people, including myself, it's hard to admit when we fall short of the grace of God. It's hard to admit we behaved in a manner less than acceptable. But, I think in order to truly grow we have to honestly reflect and be real with ourselves. We want our friends to tell us when our clothes don't look right and we expect our spouse to give us affirmation when we look good. I believe it's important, imperative even, to have this same honest relationship with ourself.

We've all been guilty of saying something that we later regret. The one or two little words we so selfishly muttered could crush someone. Our words are powerful. Even when we speak out of anger and really don't mean what we say, those words can put doubt in the other person's mind and penetrate their very being.

When this happens we have to admit to ourselves and to God that we were wrong. It's only when we are honest with ourselves that we grow and change. If you never admit your wrong, you'll never change the behavior.

Currently our church is in a series called, "I Love My City." Last weekend Pastor Tim spoke about some demography surrounding our 3 church campuses. What he shared with us is that in the next 5 years there will be 129,000 people within a 5 mile radius of each of our campuses who will not attend church. Wow! That's 129,000 not hearing the word of God. That's a possibility of 129,000 people who are hurting and hoping for a way out of darkness.

To sit here and think back to the life I lived before accepting Christ as my Lord and Savior, I feel an empty void. Sure life was fun. I had friends. I had my family. But really thinking back there was a void. I didn't pray. I didn't go to church. I thought I was a Christian because I believed in God and was a decent person. But I didn't feel the grace. I never experienced the love and peace God has brought into my life now.

I think about my life where everything was for the most part great, but I still felt that way. What about people who will be in far worse situations than I was? And to not have God? Oh the thought hurts my stomach, actually.

I've always cared about people. Sometimes more than myself. It's always been the best and worst of me. Thinking there will be 129,000 people untouched by Christ's love makes my heart hurt. I hurt for these people who won't know unconditional love and grace from a perfect Lord.

Our goal as a church family is to bring more people to God, bring them
To church. Not because the church needs them, but they need the church. They need the fellowship and love and they most of all need to hear His truths. Whoa. Here's where I feel a little tug at my soul.

If we are to be praying and leading people to Christ, we have to kick those negative thoughts out of our mindset. We can't afford to speak the negative words that may drive someone away from developing a personal relationship with Christ. I feel a certain responsibility to be sure we are very mindful of our actions and words. We have more power than we think. We have more influence over our peers than we think. We must be breathing life into the future followers of Christ and not the opposite.

I'm not sure why, but I can remember some pretty ugly words people have spoken to me over the years. The sad thing is the ugly words have virtually erased the positive words from my memory. Why is it that we can remember the bad times long after they're gone? Knowing this, I feel an obligation to try my very best not to speak the toxic words that might tear someone down. My goal is to help bring more people to Christ and share His truth, love, and grace. I can't afford to lose track of my words. This isn't to say I'll be perfect, but I'm definitely going to make a very cognizant effort to erase the bad, negative thoughts in order to speak the life-giving words people need to hear.

Proverbs 15:4 says, "Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit" (Proverbs 15:4 NLT). There's power in our words.

Proverbs 15:28 says, "The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;
the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words" (Proverbs 15:28 NLT). We must carefully and purposefully speak words of love and life for we are "the godly."

So as Christians we have an obligation, a duty to work on ourself first so that we may get our mindset right and godly to draw in more followers of Christ. I really didn't put all of this together until now and I now know there truly is greater repercussions for our toxic thoughts than just interfering with our own life. We must get these thoughts under control or they will manifest in the relationships we build with others, both Christ followers and future Christ followers.

We have a responsibility to ourselves and God to be the best we can be. It's only when we find peace in our hearts and lives that we can lead others to the light. I am ready to take on this challenge and kick the nasty, toxic thoughts. There shall only be life-giving words spoken from these lips. I encourage you to do the same.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your word. Thank you for the Love and Grace you show me every day. Help me to kick the negative thoughts out and speak words of healing and love. Work through me so that people will know your love, by knowing me. Help me to do everything in life to bring glory to you. Amen.