Eating your own Words

Eating the Fruit of your own words

The tongue has the power of life and death,
    and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words. Proverbs 18:27 God’s Word translation.

You are an encourager. You love God. You really care about people and my life has changed because you held me accountable. You show that you care about all people because you take time for them, even those who may seem undesirable. You are concerned enough to ask me about my day. You are adventuresome and love life. You are a blessing to those who know you. The two of you were made for each other and a wonderful gift that the other has been looking for.

These are just some of the comments shared to my nephew and his fiancé at their rehearsal dinner last night.  One of his childhood friends had been talking about the rehearsal with Ben earlier in the day, “You, know this is probably the only time that you will have all of your friends and family gathered together at one time who are gonna share some awesome things about you”.  Ben replied, “Yea, its kinda like being alive for your own funeral.” Lots of laughter in the room as his friend relayed the story.

By the end of all of the sharing we were all encouraged.   There was a consistent theme of the quality and character of both Ben and Kristen. People from all stages of their life were saying some of the same kind remarks. You could sense a roomful of hope.

Why? We were tasting or rather, benefiting from the fruit of blessing.

To be sure, it is much easier to bless when you have kind and caring people to talk about.  But still, the decision to speak a blessing lies within your own will.  You get to choose what comes out of your mouth.  You can be intentional about speaking life giving words over and to your family and friends.  You get to craft the words to be spoken in a way that only you can deliver. Good thoughts are helpful to us to have the right frame of mind, but words of blessing have the power to bring hope, peace and life to those who hear.

Blessing is also reciprocal.  It would be like sharing the aroma of fresh baked bread, everyone in the room enjoys the smell.  When you speak a blessing somehow God lets part of the benefit return to you.  With couples it is very common when one shares “I love you!” for the other to respond, “I love you too.” This idea is reflected in another Bible verse written by King Solomon, “he who refreshes others will also be refreshed.”  This principle implies that we receive what we give to others.  Not at the same moment, but it is like planting blessing seeds with words.  Eventually, you will have a garden full of blessings for you to enjoy for yourself.

However, when you speak cursing it destroys the atmosphere. Consider someone who complains about their job every day.  They don’t like their boss or the working conditions. They complain about the hours and the lack of support.  They don’t like the people they work with and are always criticizing their coworkers. This person just doesn’t enjoy their job and seems for the most part to be miserable. What they speak seems to be like gangrene, slowly killing everything it touches.  Some say misery loves company, and this person will probably have others gathered around that complain about the same things.

Can you bless when you are living in a bad situation?  Yes. Can you speak a blessing when the person you are living with is a real pain? Yes. Can you speak a blessing over someone who is always criticizing you and being argumentative? Yes.

These are difficult experiences that we all share. But speaking a blessing is within the power of choice that God has given you.  Sometimes we start in faith.  That is, we speak of things that are not (now) in a way as though they should be (soon).  This starts with a thankful heart that moves to blessing.  This is a hard principle to learn, but well worth the rewards of the persistence in learning to bless.

So, what kind of words are coming forth out of your mouth?  Does it reflect the blessings that you want for your family and friends?  Have you communicated the love you feel toward you family and friends?

You can do it.  Choose life.  Choose to eat the fruit of your own words.

The alternative isn’t worth eating, so why give it to others?