Words. Do we wield words well? Do we speak approving, loving words? We may have heard a lie as a child and now we live it. What do I mean by that?
We heard someone say something like, “Oh, that’s no big deal,” when they were complemented or congratulated on a promotion by our parents or a friend. And we learned to reply the same way. Demeaning, not for someone else, for ourself. The words we wield are demeaning, not redeeming. They are deathly, not full of life and love.
Demean = cause a severe loss in the dignity of and respect for (someone or something), degrade, humiliate, shame, mortify, undignified, debase, lower, degrade, discredit, devalue
Redeem = compensate for the faults or bad aspects of (something), atone or make amends for (error or evil), gain or regain possession of (something) in exchange for payment, atone for, make amends, recover, retrieve, buy back
Psalm 49:15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself.
Isaiah 44:22 I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.”
Isaiah 63:9 In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
Demean. To cause loss in dignity of or respect for…degrade, discredit.
Oh, you look beautiful today.
No way, look at this _____ whatever… Don’t you see what I see?
I see beautiful…
Heavenly Father, how often do I discredit and demean what others say? How often do I devalue what YOU say to me? Who You say I am?
Take me to Yourself, O Lord God Almighty, that I may hear you. And know that You have redeemed me. Yes, bought me back, paid an exorbitant price to recover me. Redeemed.
How glorious! For God has a plan for us that is good. He instructs us regarding the words we use.
24 Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Proverbs 16:24 (NLT)
And speak LIFE!
The tongue can bring death or life;
those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
Proverbs 18:21 (NLT)
Thank You, O Father, that you redeemed me and swept away all my offenses. Unworthy, yet forever grateful and willing.
Thank You, that we are Yours, Your sons and daughters, co-heirs in Christ, blessed, redeemed, renewed and beloved children of The Most High God. May we see ourselves thru Your lens, Lord, and hear Your sweet words about us. Each one of us.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen
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