Word Power

A veteran teacher noticed that invariably when a parent discussed his/her child's past behavior with the teacher in front of the child, the child tried desperately to live up (or "down") to the parent's expectation.This teacher would encourage the parents NOT to recall past bad behavior - not to deny the truth but rather to express hope that the child would have a great year. If negative reports, the teacher said, were producing negative behavior in the child - perhaps positive words spoken over a child would give him/her a clean slate - a new chance to be better.

A Biblical Proverb says," Death and life are in the power of the tongue (chapter 18 verse 21)." In everyday conversation, our words to those around us are powerful vehicles passing on either blessings or cursing - either positive or negative influence. We all have the potential of speaking positively or negatively into the lives of the people around us - family, friends, and fellow workers. The wisdom contained in the Bible is also practical: "...bless and curse not (Romans 12:14b}" and "let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers (Ephesians 4:29." The Message Bible - a contemporary version - puts it this way, "Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift." What wonderful gifts we give when we encourage others by positive words!

If you're interested, there is more information about:
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Contributed by Barbara Ulrich
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