{"id":1815,"date":"2015-01-29T10:47:37","date_gmt":"2015-01-29T15:47:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/prayerplainandsimple\/?p=1815"},"modified":"2015-01-29T11:13:38","modified_gmt":"2015-01-29T16:13:38","slug":"sticks-and-stones-arent-so-bad-afterall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/prayerplainandsimple\/2015\/01\/sticks-and-stones-arent-so-bad-afterall.html","title":{"rendered":"Sticks and Stones Hurt, But Tongues Hurt More"},"content":{"rendered":"

Then God said, \u201cLet there be light,\u201d and there was light. Genesis 1:3<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The tongue has the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This month we are praying about communication in marriage. Scripture tells us that words are not mere nothings. They have creative power. As human beings made in God’s image we use our words \u2013 whether we like it\u00a0or not, whether we mean to or not \u2013 to create reality. Our philosophical\u00a0son, at the age of four, once said, “If you think you’re stupid, you’ll be stupid tomorrow.” And we could add, if you say<\/em> you’re stupid, you are stupid today. Examine the words you speak about your spouse. What body language accompanies those words? If they are negative, you’ll reap negative results. The truth isn’t always obvious. Our senses often deceive us, and we need God’s understanding to understand each other. In order to grow as individuals and as a couple, we must commit to speaking only positive words over and to one another. There’s no in between. No gray area. Words either build up or tear down. They either give life or administer death in one form or another.<\/p>\n

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Father,<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Once again, I come with a repentant heart. My critical tongue has done a great deal of dismantling and a share of destructive work. I ask for your forgiveness. I commit to change, to speak only what is helpful for building up my partner’s heart, soul, mind, and body. I want to speak only encouragement. Sure, there is room for improvement in my spouse, but there is also room for improvement in me \u2013 much, much, much room. Thank you for your forgiveness and grace. Today is a new beginning. I take hold of your grace, I incline my ear to your Word, and I’ll walk forward hand in hand with the one my heart will always love. I will speak your truth, your whole truth, and nothing but your truth. So, help me, God! You know I need it!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

We’ve designed a process called a Marriage Intensive that specifically focuses on renewing your vision and returning you to joy in your purpose and life together. The first step you can take is to simply learn more. This might just change your life. Click here: \u00a0giantworldwide.com\/mjh-marriage-intensives<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Then God said, \u201cLet there be light,\u201d and there was light. Genesis 1:3 The tongue has the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21 This month we are praying about communication in marriage. Scripture tells us that words are not mere nothings. They have creative power. As human beings made in God’s image we use…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":478,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[244,255,32,21,3,842,5],"tags":[891,890,578,889,888,117,514,208,845,225,528],"class_list":["post-1815","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blessing","category-gratitude-2","category-health-and-healing","category-love","category-prayer","category-prayer-for-marriage","category-prayer-plain-and-simple","tag-benefit","tag-destructive","tag-marriage","tag-philosophy","tag-power-of-words","tag-prayer-3","tag-proverbs","tag-repentance-2","tag-successful-marriage","tag-wisdom","tag-words"],"yoast_head":"\nSticks and Stones Hurt, But Tongues Hurt More<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/prayerplainandsimple\/2015\/01\/sticks-and-stones-arent-so-bad-afterall.html\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Sticks and Stones Hurt, But Tongues Hurt More\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Then God said, \u201cLet there be light,\u201d and there was light. 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