When we are in relationship with other people, the main way we communicate lavish hospitality is by the words we speak.
I’ve learned in marriage that it is more often the little things I say (and how they are said) that cause the most damage.
As a Mom, usually when I am tired and not feeling like I’m in charge, is when the anger comes out and I lash out at my children.
Usually with friendships and relationships, I’m more in control of when and how these things happen and I can back out of the situation to regroup, but I’ve learned so much over the years about how my words (and other’s words) can affect our ability to love well.
I can think of three specific relationships, as an adult, that were totally broken by words. One was letting a misunderstanding get in the way and cause years of silence. One was silence instead of fighting for a friendship. One was condemning and has just been healed to the point of being able to talk every now and then.
War of Words is such a helpful book by Paul Tripp, about using our words to communicate the Gospel. As we invest in those around us, take stock of our relationships, and use our mouths to be instruments of grace, let us first look to our role as reconcilers – not those who destroy.