“Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me.”

We’ve all sung it or heard it sung to us, probably more than once, if we’re over the age of 20.  But those words, while often delivered in a taunting, yet sweet melody, are anything but true.  For we all know that words do, in fact, hurt – often worse than a punch in the gut.  The pain of harsh words spoken in haste, thoughtlessly or even intentionally can linger not only for a moment (like a punch) but for days, weeks, or even years.

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, that person’s religion is worthless.”  James 1:26

There have been times when I’ve believed that I have this tongue issue mastered.  I lull myself into believing that I’m really good at speaking kindness to others.  I watch my tone.  I speak life into strangers.  But more often, I find myself speaking when I shouldn’t.  Or raising my voice with my children.  Or spilling someone else’s story {gossip}.  There are innumerable opportunities throughout the day where I can bring life and light into someone’s day or I can belittle with sarcasm and unkindness.

on speaking“[The tongue] is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.  From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.  Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?   Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.”  James 3:8-11

Around our house, we often have Christian music playing.  And I love to sing along, blessing my Lord and enlarging my heart.  Even still, I am prone to throwing salt water into the pure pond, failing to consider the wisdom in James.  Ugh.  The power of words.

What does this have to do with Pure & Faultless?  As we seek to encourage people who have needs, we at Pure & Faultless are acutely aware of the manner in which we speak to one another and the ways in which we can be an encouragement – universally – or a deterrent.  Join us in reaffirming the transformational power of words and let’s all meditate on James 1:26.  Part 2 coming soon . . .