|
|
GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD
Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue #299 October 22, 2001
IMPACT
I was recently reading about some behavioural control experiments. A person was wired up to a small electrical charge and asked a question. Every time they gave an answer different from what the researchers wanted, they were given a little jolt. Not enough to harm them, just to sting a little.
It didn’t take long before the people learned to give the researchers the answer they wanted. They had learned the painful, immediate impact of their words.
I don’t know whether it was a good experiment or a bad one, but I was intrigued by the speed with which the volunteers changed their behaviour. They learned to choose their words carefully based on the consequences of those words.
Every time we speak, or write something, it has an impact on the hearer/reader. It might be positive, negative, or neutral, but our words impact.
Just imagine a place where every time you said something, you knew the impact of your words immediately. A place where you could see the pain, shame, anger, joy, or edification happen.
Would you choose your words differently? If you were able to see a person withdraw and put up emotional walls because of your careless words, would you want to retract them?
Just because we don’t see it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Scripture is full of references to the wisdom of choosing the right words and the folly of choosing the wrong words. One pointed example:
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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV
It’s hard to mend the wounds caused by our words once they have been spoken. It’s better to bite our tongue at times than to use it.
What impact have your words been having on others?
Until next time, may the words from your lips be of encouragement and love.
God bless.
Kevin
Here are some important words: peace, love, joy, peace and forgiveness. They are all available because of a man named Jesus Christ. They can be yours simply for the asking.
To find out more, email me. I’ll share a few Bible verses that explain why a relationship with Him is so important and a prayer that will make it possible.
To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential.
If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page on our web site http://gleanings.jesusanswers.com
Archived issues of Gleanings From The Word can be found on our web site http://gleanings.jesusanswers.com
To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://hundred-acre-woods.com/Gleanings/Subscribe.html
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin
All Rights Reserved
To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential.
If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page on our website http://gleanings.jesusanswers.com
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin
All Rights Reserved