A soothing, nurturing word plants seeds of life where the perverse, obstinate tongue crushes and destroys. We know, or at least can know with a little thought, which result our words will have. There are very few things that can be said that could go either way, especially when context is applied. It is so simple to pause momentarily and ask ourselves if what we are about to say will give life or crush it. And in those rare cases in which we aren’t sure of the answer, we probably ought to err on the side of caution and silence our tongues altogether.

As beings created in the image of God, we have an incredible and ultimate example before us in the Lord. He who spoke life itself into existence, who called the sun and moon into their places, the same One who stilled the stormy seas with a word, is the One whose example we ought to follow when we speak. You and I may not be capable of issuing forth galaxies with our tongues, but we can bring light into the life of another and reflect our Heavenly Father as we speak to His children.

Heavenly Father, may we be mindful of our words and plant seeds of life today. Help us to build up and not tear down. Even in the moments when we feel what we have to say is justified may we stop for just a moment and ask ourselves, will these next words build up or tear down, will I be bringing light into this individuals life today? May we choose to reflect You today by what we choose to say. Amen.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Proverbs 15