Elizabeth Barrett Browning Sonnet 43 begins with the well-known phrase, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” Then, the poem goes on to explain all the ways she encounters her love. The author has an elegant way with her words. It amazes me how her words can paint a beautiful picture that still impacts people many years later.
Our words carry more weight than we realize. With our words, we can tear down, or we can build up. We use them to bless or to curse. Sometimes we hurl our words like stones to hurt someone or wrap the hearer in their love and warmth. And, in the worst situations, we use them to speak lies about someone. So, how are you using your words?
Power of Words Verses
Throughout Proverbs, we see verses about the power of our words. Here are a few of those verses:
- Proverbs 15: 1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but hard words stir up anger.”
- Proverbs 15:4“Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
- Proverbs 16:24 “Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
- Proverbs 18:4 “A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.”
- Proverbs 25:18 “Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.”
ABCs of Thanksgiving
And, as we enter November, I think we should explore some positive words to help us show our thankfulness for things in our lives. We can use this list to remember and thank our Lord for all He has done for us. So, how do I thank thee, let me count the ways:
- A is for an abundance of love
- B is for blessings of family and friends
- C is for our Christian community
- D is for each day of life
- E is for the food we eat
- F is for forgiveness
- G is for Grace
- H is for Holiness
- I is for Biblical instructions
- J is for Jesus
- K is for Kingdom of heaven
- L is for love of God and family
- M is for memories
- N is for neighbors
- O is for our occupations
- P is for the gift of prayer
- Q is for our quiet times
- R is for restoration to God
- S is for salvation
- T is for our talents and gifts
- U is for the universe
- V is for victory over the grave
- W is for the warmth of friendships
- X is for extra love during this holiday season
- Y is forthe year gone by
- Z is for zeal for life
Use Words Wisely
The Bible says that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). So, this month, let us commit to sprinkling uplifting words in our daily conversations. Words spoken with gentleness, peace, and self-control demonstrate love to those around us. And, expressing words of thanks to God and family makes the world a better place.
“Everything we do should be a result of our gratitude for what God has done for us.”
Lauryn Hill
Prayer
My Heavenly Father. Please teach me how to use my words in a wise way. Help me to use them to lift up others and not tear them down. Let me words bring praise to you also. Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen.
Do you need prayer? I would love to pray for you. Submit your prayer request on my website at https://yvonne-morgan.com/submit-your-prayer-request-here/
Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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I can easily forget the power my words have to hurt or to heal. Yet, I am sensitive to the power of others’ words to bring hurt or healing to me. Such hypocrisy on my part!
Thank you for this reminder!
Me too Ava. It is so easy to forget how our words impact others. Thanks and God bless
Amen. Our words can build up or tear down. I pray my words will lead others to Christ.
Great though Melissa. We need to use our words to share the Good news of Christ. Thanks 🙏
These words are so powerful, Yvonne: “Words spoken with gentleness, peace, and self-control demonstrate love to those around us. And, expressing words of thanks to God and family makes the world a better place.” Well said! If we could all follow this directive daily, flowing from the depth of our hearts, the world would be an entirely different place than it currently is.
It would make the world so much better. I pray I can learn to keep my words sweet and uplifting daily. I can only do it with the help of the Lord. Thanks Melinda
Amen Ms. Yvonne; our words often reveal what is in our hearts. Sometimes, whether spoken or written, our words can be misconstrued or misunderstood by others quite unintentionally. I know it happens to be more often through my written words (emails, etc.) because I wasn’t communicating as clearly as I perhaps should have. It happens less with me in person because of the visual and audible clues we give as we speak with others. Still, God’s word and the way you used it here, is powerful, effective, and clear. God’s blessings ma’am.
Lots of truth in your comment. When I get busy, I get short in my answers and they often come across as harsh but never intended to be that way. I am working on it with the help of my Savior. Thanks JD
Words really do have such power. Taming the tongue has been a valuable lesson for me! I strive to be quick to listen now and very slow to speak.
Good for you Jessica. I am working on that too. In difficult circumstances, I try to think my words through before I utter them. I am a work in progress. Thanks
The pen is mightier than the sword, Victor Hugo said. Words are world-changing. May our words be powerful for good in the lives of others.
So very true Nancy. I appreciate you and your thoughts.
Enjoyed your ABC’s of Thanksgiving, Yvonne. And the case you make for the power of our words is powerful.
Thanks Karen