“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.”

Proverbs 18:21 MSG

Think about some of the words that have been spoken to you. I have some memories that I will always cherish based on the conversations I have had. I also have some memories that take me to a very dark place because the wounds never fully healed from a sharp tongue. That’s why I have tried to make “speak Life” my motto at home, in the office, and in ministry. The words we say to others have a ripple effect on their entire day…or even longer!

What about the words you say to yourself? That’s my problem. Being totally transparent, I make a conscious effort to speak Life to everyone around me but I neglect that practice with myself. I always think I fall short and it gets frustrating at times.

The “cats and the cradle” songs hounds my thoughts even though I spend all day with my kids. Did Annie know how much I truly loved her today? Are my lessons still relevant with teenagers after 25yrs of youth ministry? How will we get a building for Hacer210? Is my blog encouraging tonight? Does my team at work know I care more about them than metrics?

Those are the thoughts that I have to combat often. It’s a daily battle but if I feed myself poisonous thoughts (negativity)…that is not going to help myself, my family, ministry, or my community. But if I speak Life (fruit) to myself, it makes it easier to hear from God!

God, help my words that I speak externally to people and internally to myself today. Fruit is so much better than poison! Amen.