Why does it mean so much to hear someone encourage us? On the other hand, why does it hurt so bad when someone does the opposite and discourages us? I’m going to speak from personal experience here so I am by no means saying I have out figured out.

When I was being lead to write a book about my life, I knew out would be smart to only tell a select few people. I got some weary answers by some, and encouragement from others. I have a person who came into my life when I needed the most to be spiritually encouraged by another woman. You may ask why it needed to be a female, and the answer to that would be that women have a slight tendency sometimes to want to “be katty” with each other; a circumstance like this had just happened to me and it was done by a spiritual sister who I truly looked up to. So basically I was at a place I needed to realize that I was putting faith in the wrong area, instead of people it needed to be placed in God. (PS- It is so much easier to forgive people when your faith is placed in the right area!) People’s words they speak into our lives or that you speak into another’s lives really do have an effect. The reason for that is because our amazing creator designed us that way.

If I could list every time your words being important was listed in the bible we may be here all day/night! For those unaware of the verse many of us run to or sometimes many of us forget I will share Proverbs 18:21 with you. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.” It’s the bear the consequences part I feel like we forget. Because it’s so easy to just say oh I’m only kidding after we speak something and think we are off the hook for bearing any type of consequence.

💣See, this is why knowing scripture for yourself is actually a vital part of our Christian walk…. Because the thing is….. God doesn’t only listen to our words, He even goes as far as to listening to what’s in our hearts. 💣. Scripture to back that is “Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts. Psalm 12:2 NIV” Jesus himself even said “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” in Matthew 5:8 NIV.

I want to challenge you for 3 hours after reading this, don’t speak a single word of negativity, if you feel it festering in your heart, speak over that with life. Just for 3 hours and see what kind of difference it can make. If you feel the change I expect you to, you may want to take that 3 hours even further. Before starting the challenge just quickly say something to God about what you’re doing and simply ask Him to guide you through those three hours (or more). I’m excited for you because I believe a shift will take place in your life!!!

Prayer:

God we are thankful that you care about us enough to send your only son down to take the punishment for our sin. We know you love us and to show you we love you too, we want to take your word and live it out daily! Guide us through this challenge God, show us what it means to love like you love. In Jesus name. Amen.