WORDS MATTER
Words are the heartbeat of our relationships. They can be beautiful tools or as dangerous weapons. They can be used to educate or to remind others of who they are, or they can be used to hurt others.
Words are powerful.
Words has one of the most powerful impacts on others—they can make others feel.
People may forget exactly what you said to them, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
How can we use our words to make others feel good?
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
-Ephesians 4:29
To really understand this—I began to dig deeper and really examine the definitions of words in this verse.
WHOLESOME:// PROMOTING MORAL WELL-BEING.
MORAL:// HOLDING HIGH PRINCIPLES OF GOOD CHARACTER
WELL-BEING:// THE STATE OF BEING COMFORTABLE, HEALTHY, AND HAPPY.
This tells me that unwholesome is everything that does not support the other’s happiness, comfortability and/or health.
Our words are intended for us to use them to build others up according to THEIR NEEDS. Key word: their.
It seems like today, we tend to get carried away by our own beliefs and needs—and our words are used to prove our point of view wrong, and in reality, it ends up hurting the other person’s well-being.
HOW CAN OUR WORDS BE MORE WHOLESOME?
1. Build People Up
All of the people around you have an incredible amount of potential. As human’s of promoting moral well-being, we have the privilege of influencing and building others up around us.
Use words that develop people around you. Be intentional on reminding others of their incredible amount of potential. Point them in the direction of their strengths. Allow them to maximize it.
2. Words Are Timely
No words at all can be just as bad as saying the wrong words.
Let’s say that someone shares a vulnerable part of who they are, and you either choose to say nothing at all or share your beliefs on the subject. Wholesome communication in this instance is to remind them they are loved—they are fully seen, or letting them know how grateful you are that they have trusted you.
It takes true discernment to know when it is a good time to speak to those that would be promoting their well-being.
For example, if someone is struggling with something or having set-backs after set-backs, it’s more than likely not a good time to dismiss their pain and tell them what they could’ve done differently. For their own well-being, they may need you in that moment to listen. Allowing someone feel heard is one of the most rewarding experiences for someone.
3. Provide A Benefit
The things we say do something active in the lives of others. Our words can empower people, which makes them feel inspired or they can diminish their joy.
As a wholesome communicator, intentionally use words that will lift their joy, that will inspire them to keep going.
One of the most important things you can do for others is to make sure they feel loved. When you make others feel confident that they are loved, you are providing benefit to them.
