As I reflect on my own experiences as a husband and pastor, I've come to realize the power of words in shaping our relationships. My wife Susan and I have been married for 19 years, and I've learned that faithful communication is key to a satisfying marriage. By sharing our thoughts, feelings, and desires with each other, we can build trust, understanding, and love. In fact, I've come to understand that words can bring new life to our relationships, just as God's words brought life to the universe (Deut 32:47; John 6:63).
In our home, I've seen firsthand how words can either build up or tear down. As a parent, I strive to use my words to guide, correct, and edify my children, Joshua and Rebecca. I want to help them develop a strong sense of self and a moral compass that will serve them well throughout their lives. By speaking words of encouragement and rebuke, I aim to help them grow into godly individuals who will one day make a positive impact in the world. And in our marriage, I've learned that words can be a powerful tool for building each other up, rather than tearing each other down.
As I reflect on the importance of words in our relationships, I'm reminded of the need to be mindful of the language we use. We can use our words to wound or destroy, or we can use them to build up and edify. As a pastor, I've seen how words can be a source of comfort and hope, just as God's words are a source of comfort and hope to us. By choosing to use our words to build up and encourage each other, we can create a culture of love, kindness, and respect in our relationships, and bring new life to our families and communities.