The Power Of Words

The Power of Words

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

My friend Carisa owns a health and wellness business. She’s enthusiastic and encouraging, and I’ve yet to hear her say an unkind or gossipy word about anyone. Along with speaking at corporate events, hosting online classes, and being a personal trainer, she is featured regularly on a local television station’s morning news show. Her innate charisma makes her the kind of person you instinctively want to know, and her upbeat nature helps spur her success.

Yet because of the public nature of her television appearances, she is exposed regularly to both compliments and condemnation. People have messaged her to complain about the way she wears her hair, tell her the way she dresses is a joke, say she should never wear glasses in public, or ask if all her body parts are real. Some of the criticism is posted publicly, but the ugliest criticisms are often sent privately.

No one would say that the people trolling Carisa’s posts would consider themselves to be her friends, but their words still wield power. Proverbs reminds us that words can be bearers of death or life. Whether our words are used as a weapon or a balm, we will reap the very real consequences of what we choose to say. Our responsibility to others—whether they are strangers or friends—is to choose our words wisely. Whenever we actively belittle a friend, quietly question her motives behind her back, or silently grumble about her in our minds, we reinforce a narrative about her character that may not be true.

As people who understand the power of friendship, let’s resolve to be women who champion others. Let’s go out of our way to encourage our friends with our words, recognizing them for who they are and propelling them to become the women God wants them to be.

— Kristin

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Consider the words you speak or think about others, particularly friends. Adjust your narrative to believe—and speak—the best about them.