I have been thinking this week a lot about the power of words. Words have the ability to tear down or to build up. They have the ability to enhance life or to destroy life. I guess that's why we are counseled in Scripture to "be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger" (James 1:19b). I must admit this is a hard one for me! Those of you who know me can attest that I love to use A LOT of words- especially when preaching (there, I said it so no one else had too- Ha!). Learning to listen more and talk less is the key to being slow to anger in my estimation. When I really listen to people, it is not long before I start to get a sense of their heart. This helps me to interpret their words and actions so that I respond appropriately, and most importantly, in a God-honoring way. Words- they make us or break us. Let's all pray for greater wisdom and self-control so that our lives reflect our Father in Heaven and our words build up rather than tear down.