We discussed yesterday the importance of building others up! Today, as we conclude our exploration of the value and power of words, let me remind you that it’s also important to build yourself up! It’s okay to look in the mirror and encourage yourself. Often, we plow through our trials and hardships without taking into account that we’ve been climbing a steep hill and need to replenish ourselves. Perhaps you have forgotten about enduring your financial hardships, trips to the children’s hospital, or even a brush with death. We briefly tell ourselves we can make it up the hill, but it can be more powerful if we build ourselves up and encourage ourselves along the way.

At times, you will need to say out loud, “I’m a wonderful parent. I’m a loyal friend. I’m a talented musician, skilled leader, and a Christian.” Declare who you want to be and how you intend to live. If you speak out loud what you want, that is exactly what you will receive. You have permission to build yourself up by exercising the power of your words.

Friend, it is the Holy Spirit who will show us the type of words that we should and can use to communicate with one another. By our words, actions, and tone, let’s show respect and love to one another. It is God’s desire that we carry love for each other deep in our hearts and speak graciously to one another so that we may go easy on others. When we talk to each other, we can use the words that Jesus would use with us, such as I’m proud of you, I’m thankful for you, I forgive you, and I love you.