Our Words Matter: What Do Careless Words Do?

Welcome to "Our Words Matter" a 5-part mini-series about using our words wisely and avoiding careless words. Last month we looked at Where Do Careless Words Come from? Today, we're looking at What Do Careless Words Do? Next month (the last Friday of the month) we will also look at:​​ How Do I Avoid Careless Words?
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​I hope you'll join us for "Our Words Matter" because they do! ​

I’ve already touched a little on how wounding, careless words can be, but I think it’s important to really examine the deep hurt and damage they can cause. When we speak careless words we are often blissfully unaware of the havoc they create. But taking the time to consider the end result and consequences of our words can serve as a cautionary and preventive measure.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, it was through experiencing these consequences as the recipient of careless words that God grabbed my attention about my own speech. Since I know firsthand the painful effects of such words, why would I ever want to be the cause of that for another person? ​

I have to ask myself these questions:

• ​Is it worth crushing another’s spirit just because I know I am right?
  
• Is it worth straining or causing a divide in my relationships with others because I always speak my mind?
  
• Is it worth making others think badly of someone because I just had to express my honest, off-handed critique?
  
• Is it worth dishonoring someone in the name of being helpful (i.e. unsolicited advice or brash opinions)?
  
• Is it worth making others feel insignificant or silenced because I always have to dominate the conversation?
  
• Is it worth potentially humiliating others because what I have to say is so funny or clever?​

This is by no means a comprehensive list of the damage our careless, thoughtless, and insensitive words can do, but it is a start.

It is wise to consider the outcome of our words before we are in a situation to speak. This is one of the first steps toward making a change in the way we speak and avoiding careless talk.

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Our Words Matter Scripture Memory Cards

This set of 10 5" X 5" Scripture Memory Cards from the "Our Words Matter" mini-series are available in our Etsy shop. These prints will help you memorize Scripture that will impact your life! ​

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Knowing what careless words can do, how do you avoiding careless talk?