The Weight of Words: Harnessing the Power of Thoughtful Communication

Speaking with Care: The Influence of Words on Relationships and Spiritual Well-Being

Jul 18, 2024

the weight of words people talking to each other

Undeniable Bible Truths

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29.

A soft answer turneth away wrath: But grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Provbers 18:21.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James 1:19.

He loveth transgression that loveth strife: And he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction. Proverbs 17:19.

A talebearer revealeth secrets: But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. Proverbs 11:13.

Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. James 4:11.

Truths to Live By

Kindness costs nothing but can mean everything to someone else.
Relationships require consistent effort and communication to thrive.
Your words have power - use them carefully.
What I say can damage a relationship, destroy trust, and hurt my spiritual life.
When I spread untruths, that damages my integrity.
The wrong communication can cause division even among the best of friends.
Attempting to get attention to the gospel can cause exaggeration and distorted truth.
Gossip draws people into criticism and a judgmental attitude rather than love and holiness.
Gossip leads to or stems from bitterness, envy, and hatred.
Judging others only closes our eyes to our shortcomings.

Steps to Take

Forgive, which shows your maturity and strength.
Humble yourself to think of others rather than yourself.
Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Feel what they must be feeling.
Use encouraging words and actions to bring joy to you and the receiver.
Serve others.
Seek truth and understanding, and you will be a peacemaker and bring harmony to conflict
Remember that love is an action, not an emotion, so get busy expressing your love
Be honest, transparent, and authentic and you will develop healthy relationships
Express the gratitude you feel.
Actively listen rather than prepare to say what you want. Listening to understand, not to respond, strengthens communication.

Further Thoughts

Communication is both verbal and nonverbal; be mindful of your body language.
Building rapport takes patience, time, and consistent effort.
Empowerment comes from lifting others rather than tearing them down.
Handling conflicts with grace and empathy fosters reconciliation and growth.
Encouragement fuels growth and builds resilience.
Forgiving others releases the burdens carried within and promotes healing. Forgiveness is more for your peace than for others.
Learning is a beautifully endless journey that transcends a lifetime.
Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a part of it.
The present moment is all we truly have.
Letting go of what you can’t control is liberating.

Quotes to consider

“The words you speak become the house you live in.” Hafiz.

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Mark Twain

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” Oscar Wilde.

“You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.” Publilius Syrus.

“Gossip dies when it hits a wise person’s ears.” Unknown.

“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” Mark Twain.

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” Paul Boese.