VERBALLY PLANT GOOD SEED
When God created the universe, he used a unique vehicle—words. The psalmist records how God created all that we see: “By the word of the Lord, the heavens were made…For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded , and it stood fast” (Psa.33:6,9).
When God wanted to free Israel from brutal slavery in Egypt, again He used words: “He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and lice in all their territory…He spoke, and locust came, young locusts without number” (Psa.105:31,34).
God conceived human life in His mind and gave it birth through His words. He could have fashioned creation gently in His hands—yet He chose to use words. He spoke, and it “stood fast.”
In a similar way, the words you use can be powerful and even life-giving to your spouse. One of the most important things about a married couple is what they say to each other. When positive words flow, the relationship grows robust and flourishes. But if the lines of understanding and positive communication go down permanently, it is only a matter of time before that marriage dies. You can create life in your mate with your positive words, or you can inflict destruction with negative or neglectful words.
During World War II many factories in the United States were converted into manufacturing firms producing ammunition, ships and other wartime resources. Posted throughout those factories were little signs with these words, “Loose lips sink ships.” Today we need little signs in our homes that read, “Loose lips sink Partnerships.”
Proverbs 12:25 is clear, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Notice the impact of a “good word.” Gladness comes not from a sentence or a paragraph or from an entire message. Gladness comes from just one well-placed , positive word!
Be sure to appreciate the power of words. They can assault your mate or honor him or her as a valuable person who has God-given worth and assets. Your efforts to give unconditional acceptance will go for naught if you sow pessimistic, critical, or unsympathetic words into the heart of your mate.
NOTE: This article is from the book Family Life and Marriage Bible by Dennis and Barbara Rainey.
NOTE: Daily there is a new post to help your marriage succeed.
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