It Starts Small

DO you speak healing words or hurtful words?

Today, our scripture encourages us to build others up with words while setting healthy boundaries for our lives.

Words can be helpful or harmful.

It is critical to our spiritual, emotional, and relational health to engage in regular checkups to assess how our words are affecting us. Toxic words become lies, which lead to distraction, inaction, and even depression.

If we take in harmful words and allow them to define and defeat us, it is difficult if not impossible to accomplish God’s will in our lives. If we have a habit of criticizing and complaining, we plant seeds of doubt that can cause others to doubt their abilities, become discouraged, and give up on their God given dreams.

The more time we spend in focusing on what others are doing or not doing, the less time we have to focus on things that really matter: like time spent with Christ.

Mary’s sister Martha allowed her emotions to get the best of her. They influenced her actions. She was so upset at her sister she felt it was necessary to complain to Jesus. Martha had become preoccupied with what she thought was important and she fell prey to judgment and criticism and missed a God given opportunity to sit at the feet of Jesus.

Courageously Watch your Words by evaluating these questions:

• DO you respond to pain or disappointment by attacking others with harmful words?
• Do you allow verbal attacks from others to distract, discourage, or defeat you?
• DO you set healthy boundaries with people who are verbally attacking you?
• DO you strive to speak words that build yourself and others up rather than tearing them down?

Jesus wants us to refrain from complaining, judging, and criticizing others and to focus on more important things.

Have you been hurtful to someone with your words?

Reach out to them today and make amends by asking for forgiveness and make a commitment to courageously change your words.

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.