Sometimes, we say things that we shouldn’t say. At other times, we are silent when we should speak. Yes, we don’t want to speak death. But we can’t speak life if we don’t speak up.
The Venom of Division
November 8, 2015 • Jumaine Jones
It is often said that hurt people hurt people. Sometimes people hurt or offend us intentionally or unintentionally. We may find ourselves bitter or jealous towards someone. Others may receive the attention or acceptance that yearn for. As a result, we respond by sowing seeds of discord. Seeds of discords are words that creates division between two or more people. We pursue things that divide instead of unify. The venom of division is spread through things such as discord, and gossip.
The Venom of Destruction
November 1, 2015 • Jumaine Jones
When I was a child we use to say, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” I later found out that was not true. Words do hurt us. The venom of destruction causes us to make emotional withdrawls versus emotional deposits in the life of others. The venom of destruction includes mocking, belittling, slandering, and criticizing. Instead of destroying, we can use our words to build up and edify.
The Venom of Distance
October 25, 2015 • Jumaine Jones
Relationships thrive where there is an environment of safety. This simply means, we want to be in relationships with people where we can feel safe expressing our opinions, feelings, and deepest needs. Whenever people feel unsafe over a period of time, they start to distance themselves. People distance themselves from us physically and/or emotionally. The venom of distance is spewed when we speaks words that are argumentative, in anger, and/or in haste.
The Venom of Distrust
October 18, 2015 • Jumaine Jones
Generally speaking, people seem to assume the best. If we say something, people for the most part believe we are telling the truth. People that decide to do business with us assume that we are being honest; that we are being upfront about the facts. Distrust enters into a relationship when people discover that we aren’t being honest. People may see us lying to us directly. Even though we may not lie to someone, they may see us lying to or about someone else and, therefore, choose not to trust us.
Deadly Poison
October 11, 2015 • Jumaine Jones
We all know that words are powerful. And, once spoken, they can never be taken back. Our words can make a person feel loved or hated. We can tear someone down or build them up. Our words can determine whether a relationship thrives or ends. James 3:7 speaks of the tongue as being full of deadly poison. From the same mouth can come blessing (positive and building up) or cursing (negative and tearing down).
