Over these weeks of Lent, we’ve tried to be mindful of the words and ways we speak to others.
Our wearied souls are soothed when we use the Bible’s rich advice to perfect the pause, measure our motives, monitor our methods, build our brothers, and learn to leave.
When our words are kind and gentle, our spirits will be, too. We have fewer regrets and become more charitable and peaceful.
Today, let’s wield our words well, confident in the guidance of God’s Word.
Yes, He is risen, and with that joy, we can rest in the knowledge that God loves us even if we haven’t perfected the challenge of using our words well. He knows we’re not perfect.
Welcome to Holy Week! This weekend, we celebrate Palm Sunday, and one more week until Easter – still plenty of time to work on choosing our words well.
Part 6: Learn to Leave
Our last idea is to learn when to leave the conversation; sometimes, the best choice is simply to walk away.
Despite what society seems to teach, I don’t need to have the last word. It’s ok to leave a conversation without getting in that clever jab, that smart retort that will prove how right I am. I don’t have to convince everyone of my opinion.
In the same way, I don’t have to take offense at each callous comment I hear; not everything is meant to insult me. Often, it’s a lack of awareness on the speaker’s part.
And those people who intentionally upset or offend me often do so just to make themselves feel better. I don’t need to justify myself to them – the only opinion of me that matters is God’s!
There is a time to speak and a time to be silent (Ecclesiastes. 3:7).
Let’s continue using our words to make the world a sweeter place. Next week is Easter- see you then!
-colleen
Excerpts taken from: Arnold, Colleen. “5 Steps toward Better COMMUNICATION.” St. Anthony Messenger, vol. 129, no. 8, 2022, pp. 31-34.
Welcome Back! I hope we’re all making our conversations sweeter. We’ve only got two weeks until Easter – plenty of time for more progress!
Week 4: Build up Others
In some ways, this week’s idea is a continuation of the last, and builds on the idea of speaking gently and respectfully to encourage others. Words have the power to wound and hurt, but they also have the power to inspire and heal. Our sweet comments can do immeasurable good in this wounded world, and there are opportunities every day to recognize and appreciate one another.
For from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will render an account for every careless word they speak (Matthew 12:34,36).
We can use our words to complement another’s hard work instead of letting it go unnoticed: try to give at least one sincere compliment every day.
We can use our words to show gratitude for kindness rather than taking it for granted: try to say thank you for even small gestures
We can use our words to remind those we love how much they mean to us: take time to tell your spouse or children you love them. Not just a quick, “Love you!” as we run out the door to work or school, but with heartfelt attention in a quiet moment.
Kindness begets kindness, and our appreciation for others soothes our own hearts as well.
Pleasing words are a honeycomb, sweet to the taste and invigorating to the bones (Proverbs 16:24).
Let’s continue using our words to make the world a sweeter place. Come back next week for one last idea. See you then!
-colleen
Excerpts taken from: Arnold, Colleen. “5 Steps toward Better COMMUNICATION.” St. Anthony Messenger, vol. 129, no. 8, 2022, pp. 31-34
