I originally read this book in 2002, then read it again in 2008 as I led a book discussion on another blog. Now, in 2015, I am able to look back and see that God has completely transformed me as I've learned to submit my words to Him. It hasn't been easy, but I am so grateful. God is so good!
I've decided to republish these posts and revive the discussion. Our words are the most important tool we have to love like Jesus! Words are crucial. Please join me as we discuss War of Words: Getting to the Heart of Your Communication Struggles (Resources for Changing Lives)
Just this morning hard words pelted my mind and irritated my heart, but God won the battle and I'm so grateful.
Yes, this study is exactly what I need.
Chapter one, God Speaks, is an introduction to the purpose of words. Here we find that God has a plan for our words. Unfortunately, sin has thrown a wrench in that plan and aims to cause hurt and misunderstanding. Thankfully, we have helpers to guide us in our communication: the Holy Spirit who give us the power to surrender our words to Christ, Jesus who has paid the price of our sinful words, and the Word of God which helps us stay on the straight and narrow path.
Today, I want to focus on two quotes from chapter one.
"God's words set boundaries and give freedom. His words create life and bring death.....Words are not cheap. Words reveal, define, explain, and shape."~Ch. 1, God Speaks, War of Words
Words help us interpret life. God used words in the Garden of Eden to help Adam and Eve understand life. He gave them boundaries and helped them understand their responsibilities and their purpose. Yet, the serpent used words to twist the interpretation of God's words. So, we see that words can bless or they can curse. Likewise, our life experience with words can influence us to see the world in a right or wrong way.
"Words interpret. Talk is not cheap because interpretation is not cheap. The way we interpret life determines how we will respond to it." ~Ch. 1, God Speaks, War of Words
Seventeen years ago, I interpreted life through a damaged perspective, and a broken heart. I had been hurt by the words and actions of folks who were damaged and broken themselves. I am absolutely certain that most never intended to hurt me. They simply did not understand the power of their words. "Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words can never hurt me," is a lie. Words can be just as damaging, maybe more so, because they leave invisible wounds.
So there I was, a timid, but angry mouse. I felt little and worthless, yet my words were rabid with anger and hurt. Surrender? Not me. I was bent on overcoming and proving others wrong, yet, in the process, proved them right. It was a vicious cycle. All my words were filtered through the screen of my worldly mind. I was lost.
Then came, Jesus. I had met Him when I was seven years old, but didn't know how to receive Him. So I talked to him for years and years. He loved me with His Words...whispered to me on many a lonely night, "I love you. You are MY child." It is significant that in 1997, as I began to surrender to Christ, the first thing He began to work on was my broken heart and I began a journey of surrender. He began healing the rancid layers of hurt and wrong thinking. He made me new. He gave me new words and a new song. (Rev. 5:9)
Today, my heart is to encourage and love people. When I don't, it is because I've found a raw place that needs His touch; perhaps a place I haven't surrendered yet. Surrender, is a thing that is ever deepening. You never "arrive," on this side of eternity. That said, I strive to be in a place of surrender every day so that my filter will be God, rather than me. That said, I've failed often. We all do. Praise God, for grace!
How you interpret life? How your filter has affected your communication for good, or bad? How would you like to grow in your communication through this study? Is there anything in the first chapter that stood out to you? Leave your answers in the comments below. I'd love to explore this topic together.
Let's encourage each other to love with our words. "...faith, hope and love; but the greatest of these is love." ~ 1 Corinthians 13:13 Let's use our words to God's glory.
Get your copy here:War of Words: Getting to the Heart of Your Communication Struggles (Resources for Changing Lives)
Grateful for His grace,
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Creaky gate? Noisy Gong? Nope...I know your words will be thoughtful and kind! Thanks for taking the time to comment!