As a progressive, I believe there are many names for God and many ways to God – this article reflects one of those ways. Take from here what works for you. Celebrate life with joy and peace!
There is power in your words! Your words are powerful! So, choose your words wisely – use your power for good!
Today, we begin a series on The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.
The Four Agreements are simple – and very powerful. The first Agreement is:
Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
Impeccable comes from the Latin word “pecatus” which means sin and “im” means without. So, being impeccable means your words are without sin. It also means flawless, unblemished, immaculate and exemplary. Be impeccable with your word.
Speak with integrity – let the words that come out of your mouth be driven by honesty, truth and reliability.
Unfortunately, the words we use don’t always have the effect we want. Sometimes words meant to encourage people are taken the wrong way and end up hurting them, doing the opposite of what you intended. Sometimes sincere compliments are interpreted as patronizing or condescending. Sometimes we don’t know what words to use and end up choosing ones that inadvertently end up doing more harm than good.
Remember that phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Oh, we want to believe that – but for so many people, it’s just not true!
We are a unique species, we humans. We hold on to some words and allow them to shape us throughout an entire lifetime. The question is, do we hold on to positive words or negative words?
The word is the most powerful tool you possess. But like a sword with two edges, your words can create or your words can destroy. One edge of the sword is the misuse of the word – where words are used to hurt, control and manipulate which hurt, tear down and destroy. The other edge is the impeccability of the word, which will create beauty, love and life, where words are used to help, comfort, encourage and love.
Proverbs 12:8 says, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Both of these edges are sharp and powerful. Depending on how it’s used, the word can set you free, or it can enslave you, more than you’ll ever know.
I’m sure, if you think for just a bit, you can remember painful or hurtful words that were spoken to you as a child or a teenager. As much as you know in your mind those words were not truth, but just another person’s opinion, or thought or judgment, they still are, to this day, hard to forget. And they’ll raise their ugly head from time to time and whisper in your ear.
Sometimes even compliments and words of love are hard for us to accept because of all the other negative words we internalized over the years.
“You’re beautiful …” No, I’m not. I was teased for being ugly.
“You’re talented …” No, I’m not. I was always picked last in gym class. I wasn’t noticed. I was invisible.
We place so much value on the words of other people in our lives (whether spoken or unspoken) especially when we’re growing up. We hold on to them and they affect our lives, and there are times we needlessly create our own suffering. As we grow older, we carry these words with us and they influence how we see ourselves and even others.
Words are powerful. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean.
To be continued …
