Devotion: Raise Your Words, Not Your Voice

 

“Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” ~Rumi

I am not prone to yelling. Much. I remember yelling at my brothers and sister when we were young. It was probably over a Matchbox car or someone eating the last Little Debbie. As an adult, I know there are times I let my voice get a little loud during “discussions” with my husband. This is often the result of not feeling heard–because if he heard me, he would agree with me. Come to think of it, I yell at my kids some, too. Their actions tell me they didn’t listen to me, so I turn up the volume of my voice to get their attention.

So, maybe I am a bit of a yeller.

I am also a writer. I spend hours with a thought trying to get just the right words in just the right order so that my communication is clear and captivating. I don’t yell when I write. I use the power of words to my advantage. (Just so you know, when you use all caps, YOU ARE YELLING AT YOUR READER!)

I am focused on the power of my words when I sit alone to write for strangers, but I lose control of my words when someone close to me doesn’t respond the way I think they should.

Sisters, this should not be.

James warns us of the power of the spoken word:

“The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness” (Jas. 3:5-6, ESV).

When I consider the conditions under which my words go rogue, I get to the heart of my verbal self-control issues. I yelled at my siblings when my rights were trampled. I yell at my husband when my point of view is threatened. I yell at my kids when I feel ignored. My words get loud, not because other people are the problem. My words get loud because I am the problem.

Jesus told us that our words are an overflow of our heart (Matt. 12:34). When our words are harsh or hasty, it is because we have an internal issue. For me, it is pride. When I feel disregarded, I unleash the small spark of my words and a blazing fire ensues.

Those closest to us usually experience the fire of unfiltered words flowing straight from our hearts. I would never raise my voice when I speak to a coworker, but if I pick up another wet towel off the floor, my tongue may come unhinged.

 

The solution to my rogue words is a well-maintained heart. When I write, I take the time to align my heart with God’s Word so that my words are precise and controlled. Conversely, when I speak, I often let the words bypass my brain and fly straight out of my mouth. I must stop in the heat of the moment and check my heart. And in the quiet moments of my day, I must continue to bring my heart in line with Christ.

Our words, both written and spoken, are very powerful. [Tweet “We can do more with a thoughtful word spoken softly than a passionate word spoken loudly.”]How will you use words today?

Jesus, thank you for your example of using the power of words for the good of others. Help us to select our words carefully. Give us the self-control to pause when our mouths start to go rogue so that we may align our heart with yours. May your words be our words.

Scripture for Reflection

“You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.” (Matt. 12:34-35, ESV)

“When she speaks, her words are wise and; she gives instruction with kindness.” (Prov. 31:26, NLT)

“From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (Jas. 3:10, ESV)

Reach for More

Passionate words are powerful. When we feel our ability to control our words slipping from our grasp, we must pause and choose effective words over loud words. Let’s pay close attention to what comes out of our mouths today. Choose wise and kind words over wild and loud words.

Friends, we can do this. As we interact with those closest to us, we can gauge the condition of our hearts by the words and the tone we use. Thoughtful, controlled words flow from a heart regulated by God’s Word. This means spending time allowing God to transform us to be more like him.

Please, come back and leave a comment telling us about how God spoke to you this week, or share your progress on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore. We would love to hear from you.

Kelly Smith is a small town girl who married a small town man 17 years ago. She has three energetic blessings, ages 1 to 11. Her favorite indulgences are coffee, reading, writing, and running. Kelly believes we are created for community and loves to find ways to connect with other women who are walking in the shadow of the cross. She blogs at mrsdisciple.com.