Mom Heart Moments #52

A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word!

WORDS HAVE DEEP AND ABIDING POWER. They can give hope, redemption, and life; or they can bring guilt, anger, and death. We are to be stewards of our words, and if we are walking with God, we are to plant words as seeds in the hearts of our children, developing the fruit of life, beauty, hope, and confidence in them.

I have talked to a number of moms lately who struggle with anger and impatience and find themselves yelling a lot at their children. Of course, all of us have experienced this if we’ve been mamas for a while! We must remind ourselves that if we sow angry, condemning, guilt-producing words, we will produce children who feel hurt, condemned, guilty, criticized, and unloved. Studying Scripture in this area lately has really caused me to develop stronger convictions once again about the importance of guarding my lips and keeping them from pouring out anger —and of asking for forgiveness when I do! If we are to grow in righteousness, we need to use self-control in this area of angry words and learn to move more and more into His gracious, patient love as we mature.

Think of what would happen if our children grew up on lifegiving words: “I am so thankful for you!” “You are a blessing to me.” “I appreciate you because . . .” “God has a special place for you in his Kingdom.” “You encourage me.” “I see that you are capable in ____ area.” “You are a rock.” “You are a joy.” “You are faithful.” “You are a lover.” “I believe in you.” “I believe in your dreams.” There would be stored up in their hearts a deep confidence that they are loved, respected, appreciated, and called by God to accomplish great things for His Kingdom.

What word-seeds have you been planting in the hearts of your children lately? Ask the Lord to put a finger over your mouth and cause you to ponder before you speak.