Words Are A Gift, So Give Joy
Whatsoever series:
There are certain assumptions about every human being that a biblical perspective gives us. One of the assumptions is that, as humans, our design and capacity to create reflect the very image of God. Another is that we all have basic needs for love, hope, and purpose. How our lives answer these questions of identity, is described in the concepts of belonging, acceptance, and worth.
Whom does the Lord see fit to define belonging, acceptance, and worth? Our family and friends. Parents, my friends, we do this for our children! We give good gifts to their hearts through our words.
Yes, that’s right! The words that come from our own mouths will speak directly into the hearts of our children so that they are reassured that they are seen, known, valued, accepted, and belong.
Our words can make them feel safe. Safe to venture into adulthood and discover what the Lord is teaching them. Safe to stand tall in the face of the world’s opposition. Safe because they have heard God’s truth from our lips. Safe to know that we are praying and battling for them, not against them.
The treachery is that our words can also cause great harm. To guard against harm, we must train our focus on what is worthwhile and honorable to speak into our child’s identity.
Philippians 4:4-8 is a solid platform on which to stand. The verses tell us to think on these things. When our minds and hearts dwell on what is pure and lovely about our children in His sight; what is right, noble, and true about their identity in Jesus Christ, then our mouths will communicate both confidence and acceptance to them the next time they call and are feeling overwhelmed by schedules and daily decisions.
Matthew 15:18 speaks true! Whatever comes from our mouths was first believed in our hearts and minds. May it be that we give good gifts to our children. May our mouths speak words that create joy in the meaning of life, that lead to joy in God’s forgiveness, and invite joy in belonging to Him fully.
“You show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever” (emphasis is mine; Psalm 16:11, NLT).
Meet the Author
Tamatha Anthony
Assistant Director
