Are You a Killer or a Healer?

Everyone carries a mighty weapon everywhere he/she goes.   It can destroy lives, ruin reputations, or start a riot. It can discourage, betray, or belittle.   It cuts deeper than the sharpest sword and leaves scars that seldom heal. It is the tongue.  James 3:8 says, "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison," KJB

The words flow straight from the heart, echoing the things that go into it.  Evil thoughts start in the heart and roll off the tongue when we speak. Jealousy, hatred, revenge fill pages of mainstream novels.   They sell because they speak of the human condition to which we are subject.

Our words carry consequences.  Have you ever regretted something you said?  Once it is out there, we cannot take it back.

Words also heal, bring encouragement, inspire greatness, and mend wounds. With God’s help and a heart powered by good fuel, we can begin to use our words wisely to edify, build up, to witness, inform, and teach.

Read the Word, pray, listen to inspiring music, meet with other believers, and study to fill the heart with good stuff and healing words

Questions to ask before speaking:

• Is it true?
• Is it judgmental?
• Is it kind?
• Is it necessary?

Truth is important to God.  It says so in His Word. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but they that deal truly are his delight.” Proverbs 18:8 King James Version states that "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly." God wants us to speak truth.

It is easy to judge people.  We have not walked their walk. We have no idea what they are facing.  Most people hide heartache behind a smile and laughter.  We imagine we know the facts of a life when we truly do not.  We see and hear things and jump to conclusions.  We don’t need to spread false rumors and information.   Judging is God’s department and better left to Him.

Even if something is true and free of judgment, it probably is not kind. Spreading this information leads to more agony for a person already burdened with problems

Is it necessary?  Probably not. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." James 1:19

We can be a force for good or evil.  It is up to us. We can fill our hearts with evil and kill those around us.  We can fill our hearts with the good things and heal, soothe, and build up for the glory of God. 

Which do you choose?  Are you a killer or a healer?