We can all agree that words have power. We can use words to build up someone or tear them down. Most people do not realize your tone and actions need to match the words you speak. 

People often feel if they say something to a person and acknowledge a situation then that is where their obligation stops. For instance, when someone expresses a need to us, our automatic response with our words is to show compassion and say, “I’m so sorry, what can I do for you?” Do you really follow through?

Actions speak louder than words.

This is so true. My parents always told me that they loved me as a child. Imagine if they only spoke the words but I was never fed, clothed or hugged. What if they spoke these words of love to me yet all their other communications and actions were angry and gruff. I would have some serious questions about the truthfulness of those words.

We fail to realize how our words and action can make an impact in a hurting world. There are so many people that do not have the luxury of hearing and seeing kindness on a daily basis. Taking a moment to really engage with others can make a difference. You may not have to do anything more than just speak words of affirmation but be aware that your meeting is not by chance. By overlooking or not taking the time with a person is an opportunity lost. I do not believe people cross our path by accident.

Another saying is, if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it. Let’s put a new spin on it – if you have something nice to say, say it! I have a checklist that I try to live by daily that I find in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law”. Do I achieve this goal every day? Not always. The important thing is that I realize that my words and actions do matter.

My challenge to you is to make your words count and make them come alive with deeds.