Gary Chapman, in his book Love as a Way of Life, uses a vivid metaphor describing words as either ‘bullets or seeds.’ If we use our words as ‘bullets’ with feelings of superiority and condemnation, we will not be able to restore a relationship to love. However, if we use our words as ‘seeds’ with a feeling of supportiveness and sincere goodwill, we can rebuild relationships in positive and life-affirming ways. Our words have a long-lasting impact. Be the type of friend and leader who inspires and lifts others—people are thirsty for encouragement because it gives courage!
When we need to talk candidly about something difficult with another person, we must focus on the conversation with keen attention and purpose. During the conversation, we must listen patiently, speak tactfully, and tell the truth as we understand it. We must align our words, voice inflection and tone, eye expression, body language, and actions with our inner awareness in an honest exchange.
A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored these comments and tried to jump out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, saying they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed of what the others were saying, gave up, fell down, and died.
The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs asked, “Did you not hear us?” The frog explained that he was deaf and thought they were encouraging him the entire time.
The lesson of the story: There is power of life and death in the tongue. Look for opportunities to encourage others! Life is short! Don’t kill others with your words!
How many of us still remember hurtful words spoken to us long ago? An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day. So be careful what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words—it is sometimes hard to understand how an encouraging word can go such a long way.
Our tongue has the power of life and death. With our tongues, we speak either ‘Miracle Gro’ or ‘Round-Up’ to our kids, friends, and family. If you spray ‘Round-Up’ on plants, they shrivel up and die. If you spray ‘Miracle Gro’ on them, they drink it up and grow. Our words work the same way—they either feed people or poison them. Our words have a long-lasting impact. Be the type of friend and leader who inspires and lifts others—people are thirsty for encouragement because it gives courage! Look for opportunities to encourage others! Life is short! Don’t kill others with your words!
When you communicate positive expectations, people generally want to do what you expect. If you express confidence in them, they don’t want to let you down. An inspirational word is one used to mentally stimulate someone toward a specific outcome. Consider the incredibly common situation of a child who announces that he will never be able to do something.
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