The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21 that death and life are in the power of our tongues.
What does that mean exactly? Well I look at it like this...
If you are constantly told as a child that you can do or achieve anything you set your mind to - You believe it. If you are told that you are great - You believe it. If you are told that the sky is the limit and nothing is impossible for you to do or be when you grow up - You believe it.
On the other hand...
If you are told as a child that you are not good at or for anything - You believe it. If you are told you are worthless and that you will never amount to anything - You believe it. If you are told that you will never have enough, never get ahead and always be poor - You believe it.
Life and Death.
God spoke the world into existence. God spoke life into existence. God uses His Words to Call into being those things that be not as though they were the Bible says in Romans 4:17.
Life.
You are snared with the words of your lips, you are caught by the speech of your mouth. Proverbs 6:2 For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced. Matthew 12:37
Death.
The old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones but your words will never hurt me" isn't really a true statement. I was taught this saying as a child but as an adult I realize that is not totally true. Yes it is true that words can not physically attack me but the words that are spoken to me can "hurt" me emotionally and spiritually. Once words are spoken, they are out there FOREVER! Someone may forgive you for harsh or hurtful words that you spoke to them but they will never forget them. I know I don't.
So my point in all of this is simple. Your words that you speak to your children, about your children and over your children in prayer are powerful and important. Make sure they are the right words. Make sure they are life giving words.
Also, teach your children the importance of speaking words that are full of love and life and not words that are full of hurt and death about themselves and to others.
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Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Matthew 12:35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.
Proverbs 13:3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,
but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Stopping by from Titus2sdays! I enjoyed reading your blog. Thanks for the great reminder about praying for our kids every day!
ReplyDeleteLove, Love this! I wrote a similar post recently (http://thelearningcurveparent.blogspot.ca/2013/01/praying-for-our-children.html) I think there is so much lost when we don't pray & speak life over our children...and daily! Thanks for the great reminder :)
ReplyDeletePS I am your newest follower!
(from titus Tuesday)