Think back to a time when someone said something to you that affected you. It could have been something that affected you positively or negatively. Maybe it was something that affected you temporarily or maybe it was something that lives with you every day. We may not realize it, but there may be something that we’ve told someone that may have affected them too. A lot of the time we forget how powerful words can be. Words can build someone up or tear them down. Our words matter.

“Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren these things ought not to be so.” – James 3:10

            I can think of several times in my life when people have said things that encouraged me and times when what they said broke me. Those same people may not know that their words had such an effect on me. In the same way, I do not know how my words have affected someone else. What I do know is my intentions when I’ve said them. God wants us to use our words to build each other up not tear each other down.

“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword. But the tongue of the wise promotes health.” – Proverbs 12:18

            I want to give you an example of both cases. Thankfully, I have never been bullied. However, I have heard stories from people who have been bullied in the past. They were never physically assaulted as they show in movies. Instead, these bullies used their words to hurt them. Going through something like that affected them dramatically. They grew depressed and became very aware of what people might be thinking. The bully’s words affected them negatively. We see this happen more and more today. Social media has made it very easy to put people down anywhere and everywhere. If you have ever faced anything like this, I truly apologize. You deserved better. Don’t let yourself wallow in despair. You are worth so much more than you think. Jesus gave His life for you and wants to give you the love that you deserve. Allow Him to live in your life.

            Now, I know I’ve written about this before, but when I think of a time when someone built me up, I can’t help but think of this story. As most of you may know, I worked in life insurance some years ago. Before working there, I always had self-esteem issues. I never thought I was good enough. If you were to ask me why, I wouldn’t be able to tell you. As I said, thankfully, I was never bullied and I had a loving and supportive family. I guess you could say that they were lies that I chose to accept as true.

            Anyways, while working in insurance, I met my manager (who later became a good friend) Neil. After some time of having difficulty selling, Neil came to find out that I had low self-esteem. Rather than treating me as just another employee, Neil decided to show me compassion and empathy. He was always very encouraging, but after he found out about my self-esteem, he became even more supportive and engaging. It was thanks to him that, to this day, my confidence is at an all-time high. His words encouraged me to be better.

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” – Proverbs 12:25

            Our words matter. We never know how what we say can affect someone else. Be that encouraging word. Yes, it is easy to be swept up in our own emotions and it feels like we can’t help ourselves when we say mean and hurtful things. However, the Bible itself tells us that we do not have to give in to our sinful nature. We can choose to be better. God is the only one who can help us with that. It’s important to constantly seek Him and to choose Him every day.

            So, I encourage you all to be the light in this dark world. Use your words to encourage one another. Tell someone you love them. Tell someone that they matter. Tell someone that they aren’t alone. You never know who might need to hear it. And more importantly, share God’s word. The Bible says that His word doesn’t come back to Him empty. Allow God to give you the words you are to say and then let Him do the rest.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16