Natalie Lynn Alday
I read the following post online: “Only speak words that make souls STRONGER” (written by Ann Voskamp). That sure made sense to me. So many times we think we need to say or do something, yet being silent is what is needed. Sometimes just a smile or a hug or a few kind words are ENOUGH. It reminds me of taking “every thought” captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). That’s what God’s Word (the Bible) tells us to do. Taking “captive every thought” directs us to ponder what we are thinking about and determine if that thought needs to be dismissed or shared – maybe just acknowledged to ourselves, maybe spoken to just one person, maybe to a few or perhaps to many, or maybe ONLY to God.I used to tell my middle school students that everything that pops into their heads does NOT need to come out of their mouths. I think back to Bambi and the popular phrase about “if you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all”. I know God intended for us to speak, but how much and how often depends on the situation, the person, the timing, your history with that person, whether or not you are “speaking the truth in love,” whether or not you have made some kind of connection with that person, whether or not you are directing that person, whether or not you wait for the ‘God-given’ time to speak something to them, as well as whether you are sitting in a seat of judgement or literally speaking the truth in love.” I also think that it also matters whether or not you are “prayed up.”
Some you would have said to someone last.
This list goes on and on. This list is not inclusive.
Words we speak may seem unkind but are, in fact, necessary for others to hear in order for them to move forward in their walk with the Lord. Maybe they just need to see their situation from another angle. Sometimes a nudge is all that is necessary. Sometimes just ‘one’ word is enough. At other times, just our presence – just being there – is enough…knowing that someone cares, that they will listen, make eye contact, and truly hear what you are saying and even what you aren’t saying. You don’t even need to know what they are going through or who they are or whether or not you are saying what you are supposed to say, as long as you are following what the Holy Spirit is speaking to you. It has so much to do with what they are in need of at that moment in time. It has so much to do with whether or not the one speaking is ‘prayed up’ and is being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudging. Something you may have said to someone last night may NOT be what you are supposed to say to them in the present moment (that you are currently in with them now). When you step out in the name of Jesus and you are prayed up, have the armor of God on, and are walking in what HE is calling you to do, HE will open the doors, the windows, and the hearts of others.
You MUST be ready when you step out to receive what that person may have in store for you. So being ‘prayed up’ and having the ‘armor of God’ on will be a step that you should be taking daily. By doing this, if the word you are sharing is not well-received, then you will be prepared for any possible negative reactions or responses that may come your way and you will also be blessed when it is received with joy,
About twenty-six to twenty-seven years ago, I counseled for about a year at the Women’s Pregnancy Center in Tallahassee. During our training, we memorized certain scriptures that helped us to bridle our tongues, in hopes that we could listen and share with women who were in need. One scripture, especially engraved upon my heart, and one that I continue to put at the forefront of my mind, was and is “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Such a simple phrase…simple advice…Using those few words to express the fact that when we do speak to others, we need to be thoughtful and considerate in what is being said or in what we think needs to be said. Throughout my life, I know I can recollect many occasions when I wished I would not have said something or, at other times, wished I would have said something.
Keeping a tight rein on our tongues is a daily battle. Just like a bridle on a horse controls the horse’s direction and forward motion, when we harness our tongues we choose whether or not we will bring “life” or “death” into other’s lives. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” (Proverbs 18:21).
Let me leave you with this golden nugget from Ephesians 4:29: “When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need – words that will help others become stronger.” Each word we share can become a GIFT.