It’s where bloggers write for 5 minutes flat . . no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking. Click on the button to read more thoughts on encouragement.
I think the most important words to speak are the ones that most often go unspoken.
What is it about negative words that makes them just so easy to pour out? If the power of life and death are truly in the tongue, maybe I ought to wield it more carefully. Purposefully.
The Bible calls it a small member yet it can direct an entire body. How often has my tongue led my mind, heart and emotions into place of destruction, fear and discouragement?
It’s a telling organ that reveals my heart, for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. So apparently my tongue not only determines where my heart is going, but it indicates what’s already there.
This seems like a worthwhile task for my tongue. One which should keep its unruly self occupied for a lifetime.
Well said!! "This seems like a worthwhile task for my tongue. One which should keep its unruly self occupied for a lifetime." That is an occupation we should all strive for daily! Concise and beautiful!
Thank you, Amy. That post you wrote could be an "encouragement manifesto"! Here it is, for anyone who'd like to read it . . . http://www.amylearns.com/2014/01/five-minute-friday-encouragement.html
Such a good reminder! And we all know how much power there can be in just a few words of encouragement: thank you for encouraging me to use my words well.
Yes, power for both the encourager and encouragee! You are very welcome, Shelly 🙂 And the perspective on your post on encouragement is so insightful . . . http://betweenbluerocks.wordpress.com/2014/01/18/five-minute-friday-encouragement/
Oh, if I could only tame my tongue my life would be so much richer. And your picture up top makes me want fresh strawberries. Yum! Stopping over from FMF…
I think "tongue-taming" is a lifelong endeavor and fairly futile without the help and power of the Holy Spirit. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
"What is it about negative words that makes them just so easy to pour out?" Isn't that the truth?!? I agree that "tongue-taming" is a lifelong endeavor! Thank you for this post and the reminder to speak purposefully.
" So apparently my tongue not only determines where my heart is going, but it indicates what's already there." This spoke to me so deeply, Kim. This week I've been dealing with a deep hurt from someone I trusted and thought was my friend. I've been struggling with bitterness and anger and not wanting to forgive and I swear my tongue just wants to rip into her. I want to say all the things that will make me feel better and her worse. And I've purposely isolated myself so I don't run to someone else to pour it out in what would only be gossip and sin. Everything I want to say is indicative of where my heart is and even though it's not been said aloud, I'm wrestling with letting God have it. With being obedient to forgive and offer grace instead of harsh words. Thank you for this post. Leaving feeling every bit of conviction to do what I need to.