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Lane Jordan
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The Worth of Words – Pathways to Organization

    And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:3

    February is one of my favorite months because I am romantic at heart. I love going into stores and seeing all the red and pink hearts covering the shelves and the walls, all the candy in beautiful heart-shaped boxes, and especially all the red roses stacked in lovely vases waiting to be bought. And I can’t wait to see what my husband will get me on Valentine’s Day because no matter what it is, I know it will make me feel very loved.

    However, one part of love that most people don’t realize is that our words and what we say to each other matter more than any flower or candy given as a present. I love these verses that emphasize this point:

    Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

    Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24

    If God can create the whole world with just a word, then any of our words (which God only gave to mankind) can build or destroy others. Yes, words matter and are very important.

    Research suggests that at least three positive interactions outweigh one negative interaction. Some studies recommend a more significant amount of praise, reporting that five-to-one and seven-to-one ratios are necessary for achieving and maintaining a healthy and productive feedback relationship.

    So, how can we say kind words to those in our lives? By reading what God says in His Word.

    Here are some Bible verses about the power of words:

    • Ephesians 4:29: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
    • Matthew 12:36-37: But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.
    • Proverbs 11:9: Evil words destroy; Godly skill rebuilds.
    • Proverbs 15:1: A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.
    • Proverbs 15:4: Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.
    • Proverbs 20:15: Wise words are more valuable than gold and many rubies.
    • Proverbs 25:18: Telling lies about friends is like attacking them with clubs and swords and sharp arrows.

    Action Plan

    I wanted to write about the importance of words because so much of our society has become rude and harsh with what they say. I can’t even watch a TV commercial without something being said that causes me to be concerned. And movies now use the F word so much that I wonder if anyone is even writing a story.

    What can we do to turn the tide? We can teach our children and grandchildren how to speak right and loving words and model how to talk to others with love, kindness, respect, and honor.

    Love is expressed more in how we treat others than in what we buy them. A famous quote from Maya Angelou says, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

    Let’s celebrate the Love Month of February with words of love and kindness.

    Manna from Heaven

    I pray these verses will bless you as you speak to your loved ones:

    Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 ESV

    But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Colossians 3:8

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