Power of Words

I'm constantly fascinated by the power of words. Simple sentences said to us can shape our entire view of ourselves for our entire lives. Words never said to us can shape who we are.

The strangest part is that the people who's words have hurt and shaped us probably have no idea what their words have done. The more painful idea is that I have no idea who my words have crushed.

There's the equally powerful idea that we don't know who our words have significantly encouraged.

I'm not naturally an encourager, so I often have to make deliberate effort to try and use my words to encourage. I know I want to be someone who draws out the potential in others and encourages them to be who they're called to be. That requires using words intentionally.

Proverbs 18:21

The tongue has the power of life and death,

and those who love it will eat its fruit.