Why we speak

It’s not enough to say the right words in the right way, at the right time, to the right people. We should also say what we say for the right reasons – with motivation to benefit others and improve situations. We often have very good intentions and are endeavoring to use our lives and our words to help others, when, all of a sudden, someone says or does something that rubs us the wrong way, and we react in anger. Unpleasant or critical words flow out of our mouths and cause hurt deep in the heart of the person with whom we are speaking. We may apologize and try to make things right, but even we are sometimes shocked by our own words and responses. Where do those harsh and hurtful words come from and why do we say them? In truth, our words flow out of our heart.  Therefore, we need to be careful to guard our hearts and know what is in them, for the heart is the source of all that we say and do. Sometimes, our hearts can deceive us and we don’t even understand them ourselves. Therefore, we need to keep watch over our hearts and monitor our thoughts and motives, so that we understand them and so nothing ugly flows out and surprises us and damages lives.

Summary

In conclusion, during the process of communication and choosing our words, we need to evaluate our speech with the following questions:

• What would improve this situation?
• Is what I am saying both truthful and loving?
• Is it beneficial and helpful or is it critical and hurtful?
• Is it kind and considerate and being said in a gentle way?
• Have I carefully thought through what I am about to say?
• How will others perceive and receive what I am about to say?

Let’s all work to make a kinder, gentler world with our words. Let’s work to build healthy communities with healthy communication. Healthy communication flows from healthy hearts.