It’s Not What You Say…

Have you ever heard the expression, “it’s not what you say, but the way you say it”? I have to take exception to that idiom, for I do think that what you say is very important, and should not be taken lightly. I have one pet peeve, I cannot stand to hear profanity. It goes to the core of my being, and some words just take me to a different place. When I start out watching what I think is a PG-13 film and then certain words come forth – it helps me to get to place of stop watching t..v., which has always been a source of relaxation for me.

You might be wondering whether I am a prude. I would not classify myself that way, but I can say that I have been washed in the blood of the lamb and I came out seeking a better way in everything I do, speech included:

And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them. Ephesians 4:29 (TPT)

If I could be transparent a moment, I used to an extremely pessimistic person. I had been disappointed so much in life, that I figured if I had low expectations, then I couldn’t be let down anymore than I already had been. This negativity bled through my conversation. I was way too negative, and with that comes its’ companion, being judgmental. A dear saint who has gone on to be with the Lord, called me on it many years ago. She let me know that I was a leader and what I said held weight, and what I said others would take to heart.

I determined from the day to begin to clean up my speech. For I learned that negative or judgmental words can be just as bad as profanity, maybe even worst. I began to look for the good in everything, and the ‘super’ in the natural of those who carried themselves to be so. I also learned that by saying encouraging things to those who were negative like myself, it would help them to grow.

Good words are like good seeds, they will grow and multiply. And what a harvest they will reap!

Many times we don’t know how we sound to others. It would bless us all to take note of what we say to others, for in helping them, we are helping ourselves as well.

Maria