Gentle Words

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3:12

The past two days I have written on how our words effect our kids and spouse.  This is something that God has really been placing on my heart lately.  Our words can make or break someone.  My sweet sister mentioned in her blog yesterday the old rhyme we all know, sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.  The truth is broken bones heal.  Hurtful words stick.  Once words are out of our mouth it is impossible to take them back.  They have a lasting effect. 

We will get angry and frustrated.  It is a fact.  How we deal with that anger and frustration is where it counts.  Recently I was in the store and my kids were acting up.  I was so frustrated with them and ready to get home that by the time I reached the check out I was a little rude with the clerk.  She did not deserve that.  Yesterday I shared my struggles with being rude with my husband when he doesn't deserve it. 

What about when we think they do deserve our harsh attitudes?  That is just it, we think.  Just because someone does us wrong does not mean they do deserve a harsh reaction from us. 

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

When someone hurts us our first reaction is to hurt them back.  Our spouse said something hurtful, so we say something hurtful back, then they retaliate by hurting us again, and the cycle goes on.  Proverbs 15:1 tells us to be gentle.  When someone is rude or down right mean to us, we should answer with a gentle word...even if we think they do not deserve it.

Our words and attitudes are so very important.  We need to stop and think before speaking and reacting.  Let's work on using kind words and gentle responses.  Let's speak in love.

Sweet Blessings~

P.S. Ladies, be sure to greet your husband with a hug and kind word today.  Set a peaceful and joyful tone for your home tonight.