WANT better relationships? Say these things. Don’t Say these things.

ALL of us want great relationships! How can we change them? God can help us!

THINGS NOT TO SAY

1. Anything SARCASTIC. Sarcasm is the world’s attempt at humor by tearing another down and then applying the bandage of “Just Kidding!” I learned a quote from my hubby, “Sarcasm always contains a kernal of truth.” In every relationship, sarcasm always leads one person to think, “Do they really think that?”

2. Anything DEMORALIZING about an individual’s appearance or behavior.  We can challenge ourselves to turn away from this age-old (and socially acceptable) form of bullying.

3. Anything impugning AUTHORITY. When my kids were little, I remember thinking, “Wow!The greatest example I can give my kids is to honor God, my husband, the governing authorities in my life, and other people. ” The Bible  is very clear about following well. Great leaders always follow first .

THINGS TO SAY

1. Anything that is BUILDING. A great action verb! Let’s ask ourselves, “Am I an encourager?”. It seems like a discipline but over time, but “verbal building” becomes a language. Gather some gal pals and challenge yourselves to  write down 3 positive things about people in their lives. REHEARSING TRUTH CHANGES LIVES! I’ve seen this rescue marriages!

2. Anything that UNITES.  Many of us know how to do this!This is nearly natural. SHARED EXPERIENCES + SHARED GROWTH=DEEP FRIENDSHIPS. This builds lifetime friendships & encouraging relationships.  This is the kind of positive habit that can actually heal.

3.Anything that LOVES. Maybe the greatest satisfaction in our lives will be that we left a LEGACY. We all  to have a legacy that honors God, our marriages, our children, and our friends.

A legacy of kindness is truly a legacy of reward. God wants to give us this gift today!

7 Replies to “WANT better relationships? Say these things. Don’t Say these things.”

  1. Tristie,
    This word comes at just the right time, when today I have been tempted to let my tongue reign and wreck. Thank you for this gentle and truth filled reminder that what we say matters and can impact the legacy we leave.

  2. Lovely, gentle reminder of how we should encourage our children as well as ourselves. Thank you.

  3. Absolutely excellent article!! Perfect reminders of the power of the tongue and how it can give life or inflict death. Thank you for this!!

  4. Yes, yes and YES!!! I like how you narrowed it down to 3 of each! ;)….and that they really encompass the vast spectrum of our vernacular!

  5. Just re-read my comment…and had to laugh….totally wasn’t trying to sound “smart”…but MAN! – I sounded like a total NERD! WHOOP! hahaha

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