“Words are powerful, the Bible is full of that message” ….
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Prov. 15:1
… looks like it’s another convicting week for me! Unfortunately I can often be harsh and critical when talking to my kids…I don’t know why? “Don’t do that, put that down, get off the refrigerator…” I’ve read this verse over and over again…
And you’d think I’d be better at it already considering I also have Ephesians 4:29 plastered on our homeschool wall…and I repeat it to my children constantly:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Eph. 4:29
But sadly I still seem to I fail on a daily basis!
Obviously it’s a common issue as God’s Word repeatedly cautions us to be careful with our tongues…but I’m a slow learner.
But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:7-9
She also spoke of the life of Jesus and how He often affirmed people before others. Another challenge for me. One thing that came to mind were my conversations with my husband. When he calls and we’ve had a bad day, I’m too quick to start rattling off all of my children’s mistakes for the day, even if they’ve already had a consequence and we’ve taken care of the matter. I’m certain they over hear me “Then they did this, and this, and this…” I can only imagine how hearing that type of conversation tears their little hearts apart piece by piece.
But, there is hope in His Word and through that I can seek to make the necessary changes to guard my children’s hearts and to lead them to Jesus.
One of my favorite parts of this week’s reading was the encouragement I received from Sally reminding me that Jesus’ loving, encouraging words were not reserved just for the disciples, but they are preserved on the pages of God’s Word to lift us up today! Oh, what a blessing that is after cataloging all of my faults.
“How important it is, then, that we mothers, shepherds of our children’s lives and hearts, choose our words to them carefully. We must deliberately aim our words at their hearts in such a way as to give our children hope, faith, strength, and also to point them toward the redeeming love of Christ. We can become the affirming voice of God to our children, just as we become a picture of his redeeming reality in their everyday lives. In this way we extend the gift of grace.”- Sally Clarkson
With my words, I can choose to bless my children or curse them (James 3:10), and I pray daily that I seek to bless them.
God help me to keep careful watch over my tongue. To encourage and affirm my children daily and in front of others! I pray that my words would give them hope and strengthen them in righteousness! Help me daily, hourly if need be, to balance my discipline with words of encouragement. Give me lips that speak wisdom, grace, and share Your love and heart with my children.
Make sure to hop over and join in on our Blog Frog discussions!
- S.O.A.P Downloads for Week 4
- S.O.A.P Discussion Week 4
- Book Discussion for Week 4
If you haven’t already, make sure to grab your copy of The Ministry of Motherhood! It’s definitely a book worth reading!
This came to me when I really needed it. Thank you so much for the reminder to think *before* I speak <3
This is my prayer also. I feel horrible about the way I have talked to my children. Praying I can break this way of parenting. So glad you blogged about the goodmorninggirls this study is changing my vision of motherhood.
Erica!I totally look forward to reading your posts about the Ministry of Motherhood because I am reading the book too. I am on Week 3 and I never got a chance to join the groups….BUT I have been so encouraged and challenged. What I love about you and your posts Erica, is your down-to-earth honesty:) We all need that! Thank you!Annie
Thank you for posting today. I needed to read this and be encouraged.Jennifer
Oh, what a convicting post! I found myself just this morning using words and tone with my children that I would rather not. Thank you for the wonderful reminders and scripture…which I think should be tattooed on my boys' heads for their mama's sake! 🙂
Oh, just now got this book in the mail today (that's me, always running late!) Hopefully I can catch up and be ready for next week! As for your post – it describes me to a tee. Try so hard to catch my tongue, but it's so easy to fall back into bad habits. Thank God for his mercy! Terrific post!Carrie
Good grief, something you said just clicked with me… When you mentioned how you go through the list of issues with their Dad when he gets home…I do the same thing. It's almost like double-awful…I scold them at the time of the grievance, but then rub it in more when I repeat it to their Dad. Argh…hanging head in disgust with myself.