“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14
We may not physically hit others, but when we demoralize and speak devastating words to those we say we love, we are displaying abusive behavior. When we discourage our children, strip our husbands of their esteem and honor, when we devalue our friends, or disrespect our leaders, we create an abusive environment that breeds resentment and rebellion. We also grieve the Holy Spirit of God.
Love builds people up; it doesn’t tear people down. Love gives people hope; it doesn’t shatter people’s dreams. Our loved ones can suffer broken spirits, lost hope, and severe low self-esteem from our destructive words and attitudes. This is unacceptable to God.
As a wife, add value to your husband and encourage him. His heart is supposed to safely trust in your hands (see Proverbs 31:11). As a mother, build up your children. They should feel safe, affirmed, and valued. As a sister in the Lord and a friend, build up and enrich the ladies God has placed in your life.
You have within you the power to enrich those around you and improve the quality of their life. You have within you the grace given by God to resist every temptation to speak abusively. Even when your emotions are high, you have the ability to tell yourself, “No! I’m not going to say that! I’m not going to be someone that abuses people with my words! I will help and not hurt people with my words! I will be the woman God has called me to be! I will use my mouth for His glory!”
Prayer: Lord, thank You for speaking to me. You are watching every word that comes out of my mouth. Please forgive me for all abusive and demeaning words I’ve said to others or even to myself. I cancel those words in Jesus name. Heal every heart I’ve hurt. Help me Lord to treat people the way I would want to be treated. I humble myself right now and submit to you. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight. You’re my strength and my redeemer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(Read Ephesians 4:29-32; Colossians 4:6; Proverbs 14:1)
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