As a progressive Christian, I believe there are many names for God and many ways to a loving 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! We certainly know that words are powerful and make a lasting impact! So, choose your words wisely and use your power for good.
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz; I first heard about this book in 1999. I believe these agreements are divinely inspired and I aspire to live by them.
What makes the four agreements so powerful is their simplicity.
Be impeccable with your word
Don’t take anything personally
Don’t make assumptions
Always do your best
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 literally without sin. It also means flawless, unblemished, immaculate and exemplary. Such a standard; and this first agreement asks us to be impeccable with our word.
To speak with integrity; letting the words that come out of your mouth be driven by honesty, truth, trust and reliability.
Now, unfortunately, the words we choose to use don’t always have the effect we intended. Sometimes words meant to encourage someone are taken the wrong way, and they end up being hurt by them; the exact opposite of what you intended!
Sometimes sincere compliments are interpreted as patronizing or condescending. Sometimes we don’t know exactly 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 hold on to some words and allow them to shape us throughout our entire lifetime! The question is, do we hold on to the positive words or the 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. The other edge of the same sword is the impeccability of the word, which will create beauty, love and life. Which side of the sword do you most often use?
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 liberate you, or it can oppress 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 much as you know intellectually those words were not the truth, but just another person’s opinion or thought or judgment or coming out of their own fear and lack, they still are, to this day, painful, impactful and hard to forget.
Sometimes even compliments and words of love are hard for us to accept because of all the other negative words we’ve 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.
We place so much value on the words of other people. We hold on to them; they affect our lives and there are many times we needlessly create our own suffering! And as we grow older (mature) we carry these words with us and they influence how we see ourselves and even others. Words are powerful. Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean.
There is power in your words. Your words can harm or heal. What do you want?
Avoid using the word to gossip about others. Proverbs 11:12 says, “Whoever belittles another lacks sense, but an intelligent person remains silent.”
Gossip is often rationalized away as “truth–telling” or “prayer requests!” Now, we all know there are times when we are going to talk about each other and certainly all of this conversation is not gossip.
So the question becomes, “When is it gossip?”
Here’s a litmus test for you. Is the accuracy of what we’re saying true? If there is even the slightest doubt in our minds that what we’re sharing isn’t true, then it’s best to stop right then and there and not go any further.
If we are unsure of the accuracy of the information we were given, first, go directly to that person in question, and find out the truth.
Here’s the second part of the litmus test. Just because what you are sharing is true, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good and profitable to share. “What’s our motive?” If we are sharing it with the intent to hurt, or to taint a person’s reputation in any way our motives are impure.
There is power in your word. Jesus shows us the power of the word in Mark where the disciples are in the boat and a storm comes up. He’s back sleeping, they panic and wake him up saying, “Don’t you care that we’re going to perish out here?” Jesus says, “Peace be still.” And suddenly there is calm. There is power in your word.
