“I hate you! How could you be so mean?!” tells the truth with damaging contempt.
“I have nothing to say to you!” may lead to hours — or days — of aching silence.
In the academic study of communication, such phrases are called “speech acts” because they “do” something to our spirits. They are worse than sticks and stones, for they puncture our heart like an enemy’s spear causing us to bleed emotionally and relationally.
Our words count, for they either tear down and wound, or build up and heal. Are you choosing life-giving language?
God, You brought this world together by speaking it into existence, and like You I may create universes of care, love, and encouragement in people around me. Help me choose nourishing, soul-growing things to say to people around me. Amen.
