“The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” James 3:6

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me. The rhyme I was taught as a child always seemed wrong to me. I know the lesson was meant to help me have a strong outer skin but when you are at the receiving end you feel your spirit breaking with each hurtful word. The rhyme is a LIE!!!

Quickly I can judge others when they set fires with their words but not see the damage I cause when I do the same. That day that I felt the impending doom following me, the day I let the anger boil within me, was the day the same hurtful words flew through my own mind targeting the individual that had directed them at me.

STOP!!!!! There is a choice before you spew evil toward another human. Just stop. Before you speak, just stop. I had to say that exact thing to myself. The words that were thrown at me I chose to catch and throw back. I chose to allow a fire on my tongue. I chose to allow those words to corrupt my whole body. The choice set the course of my life into a fiery hell. Because of the words that I allowed rolling around in my mind and spewing from my tongue threw me into an existence of anger and pain.

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3: 17-18

Today speak words of peace and love. Plant words of encouragement and joy. Based on the One who created you and loves you.

You are a child of God. (John 1:12)

You are His friend. (John 15:15)

You are loved. (1 John 4:9-11)

You are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)

You are brave. (Isaiah 41:10)

You have a bright future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

You can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you!!! (Philippians 4:13)

You are BEAUTIFUL!!!! (Genesis 1:27)

Are there sticks and stones in the form of words that you can put out with the garbage??? Can you gather a bundle of encouraging words to throw about? What are some of the most encouraging things someone has said to you? What is your favorite encouraging thing to say to someone?