Because I believe that “Life and death are in the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21),” there are 3 things I will never, ever, ever say:
"I must be getting Alzheimer’s." I cringe every time I hear people jokingly say this. It’s not a funny disease. You may have forgotten where you put your car keys for the tenth time this week, but that does not mean you are going senile. Instead say, “Lord, help me! Bless my brain and help it retain!”
"I hate you (or them)." Hate is a powerful, deadly emotion. It means you wish that person were dead. No matter what another has done to upset or wrong me, even if I think the world would be better if they left the planet, I refuse to say these spiteful words. They are like poison that will corrode my heart and make me bitter.
"It’s hopeless." In the past, I spoke these words over a situation I saw no way out of, and God made a way. Shows you how smart I am! He has ways and means up His sleeve that all of us put together could not fathom. He is good, His plans are good, and He knew this was going to happen before we did. He’s already planning our rescue, and it’s probably something we never imagined. We can trust Him and His heart of gold. He is on our side.
Life. Or Death. We get to choose by what we say. I choose life.
I believe you do, too.
Amen, Sister! Watch what comes out of our mouths!
ReplyDeleteJeanette: I found this passage at a time in my life that I was unsure of several issues in my life. I always try to remember it and how it took a huge burden off of my shoulders.<This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV) I agree with the lady who left the first comment. Our speech can cause a person to stay away from Christ and from all good things if we say "stupid" things.
ReplyDeleteAnother phrase that makes my skin crawl: I love you to death.
ReplyDeleteJeanette, I totally agree with you on this subject. Words are creative and powerful, so I try to be vigilant about not only what I say, but also what I write.
I've told my children to save hate for something really bad. Yes we all forget things....senior moment! We just need to think before we blurt out words we wish weren't spoken. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanette! My mother had a rule that we weren't allowed to say the word 'hate'. We could say we 'strongly disliked' something, but not hate. To this day, I have a hard time saying that I hate much of anything. Except maybe broccoli?
ReplyDeleteI have a friend whose husband died of Alzheimer's complications. I wonder what she thinks of that saying about 'I must have Alzheimers'? I'll have to ask her. But your point is well taken. How hurtful it truly to could be!
Blessings,
Ceil