Recently my husband and I have been doing an online devotional together about words and their importance. One of the days, the topic was about using words that build up vs words that tear down, words for good instead of evil. Our words can have long lasting effects on others in a positive manner or in a negative manner. It’s a pretty clear line.
First off let me say I agree with the importance of being careful that our words build up not tear down, that we strive for good not evil. I do not think that all our conversations are quite that clear cut however.
Outside of just plain tactical language, which yes, can be delivered in a kind tone rather than a snarky tone, there is an area of “grey” language which is not really as clearly divided as good or evil. It is this grey language that I believe is the bigger challenge for most of us because it is often more reflective of the hidden parts of our hearts.
So exactly what am I talking about? Well, there’s quite a range but an often found underlying principle is manipulation with our language. It can take many forms but has the basic syntax of If – Then. If you loved me then you would do x. If you want to have y happen then you will do z. Often those words are not actually spoken aloud but are there all the same.
Another form of grey language are the scripts we play in our heads and which sometimes come out of our mouths: I’m so stupid. She hates me. They (whoever that might be) are all crazy. That political party will ruin our country.
Most grey language I believe is just plain lazy. We don’t actually think about what we are saying. As my grandmother sometimes said, we are just talking to hear our head rattle.
While grey language may not necessarily be evil or come from an evil place in our spirit, it often is not building up or creating a positive space. The self-reflection about why we engage in a particular form of grey language might be helpful to move us more to language that builds up.
When Scripture exhorts us to think on the things that are true, noble, right, lovely, excellent, pure, admirable, praiseworthy, we have a direction for our thoughts and a plumb line against which to measure ALL of our thoughts and speech. (Philippians 4:8)
Just Sayin' 