Taming the Twisted Tongueنموونە

Speak Love: It’s a Choice!

There are days when you experience hard things basically because life just happens! You don’t always get to choose what happens! For example, you don’t have control over when someone you love dies, your parents get divorced, a person you thought was a really good friend turns against you, or you’re seriously hurt in an accident. However, most things you do in life are your choice, and those choices can determine the outcome of your life. 

One of the biggest decisions you get to make is what words come out of your mouth! And it’s not just the words that matter, but how and when you choose to use them. Even the way you say words matter. For example, the way you say, “I love peanut butter” can have different meanings depending on which word in the sentence you emphasize or what type of vocal expression you use. Think about it.  You could express, “I love peanut butter!” or “I love peanut butter?” and the same words mean two different things. Here’s another example. In an angry voice, your teacher might say, “You did that!” or in happy tones express, “You did that?” Which way would you enjoy those words spoken to you? Words matter!

Sometimes “tact” is required in choosing the right words to speak. A good definition of the word “tact” is “using skill and sensitivity when dealing with people and hard situations.”  Tact helps you avoid being disrespectful in a difficult situation. Tact is being polite with your choice of words. It’s a behavior you choose that is grown through experience, as well as prayer. It’s not our “go to” natural response to situations that may arise. When you are tactful with your words, you are careful about what you say and how you say it. It’s tough to think first and choose to speak with love, when feelings and emotions take over. It requires self-control and takes time to train your mind in this way.

You have the choice to choose words that are loving and life giving. Words that show others the love of Christ. God has shown to us so much grace and it is our choice to extend this grace to others.

We can think first and speak with grace, love, and kindness.

God desires for His children to speak and to show love in all that is done. When you begin to speak the truth out of love, with tact, grace, and humility,  peace is often produced and relationships are grown. When your words are driven with love, others are encouraged and strengthened. 

Ephesians 4:29 commands, “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.”

Overall, truth spoken in love leads to trust. Speak tactfully and out of love to one another. 

How have you misused your tongue?

How have you tactfully used your tongue to lift someone up?