Words are powerful. They have the ability to make us feel, think, and change ourselves. The effect that words can have on a person is incredible. Think about how you felt when you found out that someone had said something mean about you. Think about a time that a song make you so emotional that you cried. Think about that compliment that brightened your entire day.
Words connect people. Literally, by allowing us to communicate, but also in other ways. Why do book, movies, shows, and music become so popular? Because, they allow people to think, to feel, to laugh, to understand each other. Have you ever listened to a song and realized it was exactly what you were feeling but didn’t have the words to say? Somewhere someone else has the same movie as you because of the inspiring message, or some stranger is laughing at your favorite show. Words can make us realize how similar we are with others. Sadly, instead of using words to unite with other people, we use them to tear others down.
Words have an indescribable effect on us. There have been times that I wanted to lay in bed and cry over what I heard someone say about me. When we were kids we would use that old phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” It wasn’t until we were a little older that we discovered how false that statement is. Words hurt. What people say and think about us has a lasting effect. I can still remember mean things that were said about me in middle school. I’m sure other people still remember mean things I said about them long ago. Those memories don’t fade. Maya Angelou once said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
People often say that actions speak louder than words, and that may be true. However, I know that words alone have caused me to either have a really good or bad day. Words can also be one of the most uplifting tools we have. Ephesians 4:29 said, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” We should use our words for lifting others up, not using them to tear others down. What use is that? It can be so easy to start gossiping about someone, but it’s hard to think of how those words would affect that person. It is easy to make a joke about someone’s outfit or hair. It seems harmless, but if the roles would reversed and you hear that how would you feel? Next time you want to say something derogatory about someone, put yourself in their position. Instead of saying something mean, why not compliment them. If everyone tried to say a kind word to each other, they might start to feel uplifted and worthy.
