Word: 4 Filters to Use Before You Speak

Words.

We used to say, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
That was a lie.
That was before we ever really got old enough to realize the impact of words.

The truth is – words hurt.
They have a way of cutting through the flesh and hurting our heart.

They can cause damage way beyond any flesh wound.

But we often just toss them around.
We throw them out without really ever stopping to think about who they may land on…
Who they may damage.

Reputations have been destroyed by them.
Livelihoods have been affected by them.
Families have been torn apart by them.

Take what you say seriously.

Here are some filters for your thoughts, before they become ammunition for your mouth…

1. Is what I’m about to say going to tear down, or build up?
2. Is this something that I should only tell to the person with whom I have a problem? (read a post on this here)
3. Is what I’m about to say something I’ve heard to be true, or something I know to be true?
4. If this were about me, would I want someone saying this without my being around?

Words.

They can be used as a great blessing, or a great weapon.
The choice is with the one that speaks them.

James 3:5 “Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”