Thinking about the tongue...part 3

Monday I talked about the way our tongues can hurt others, and Wednesday I talked about the blessings we can give with our tongues. Today I'd like you to consider the words you are saying to others, specifically about your husband and children.


How do you speak about your husband to others? When you are talking to a friend, are the words about your husband positive or negative? Do your children hear you talking down about their Dad? Do you lash out at your husband as soon as he comes home from work because he forgot to bring home a loaf of bread or is five minutes later than normal?


I've noticed how women often talk negatively about their husbands...how they don't do anything right, they don't know how to take care of the kids, they're forgetful, they were late, etc....I have come to really notice and pay attention when a woman lifts up her husband positively too because it is much less common. (And I've heard husbands talking about their wives too in the same way.)


What about your children? Do you gripe about them all the time? Do you get annoyed that they ask a million questions? Do you speak harshly to them? What does your tone convey? Do they know how to show respect to others because they've seen you model it?


I notice when Mom's talk about their kids with negative words instead of positive. I know that things aren't always nice, perfect, and pleasant in households--that's life. But it hurts me to constantly hear parents berate their children and never say anything positive about them....they're in a bad mood, they didn't get a nap, they talk to much, they won't leave me alone, they're too slow, I'll be glad when the weekend is over so they will go back to school, this is a terrible age, etc. It feels to me too often parents get upset about their children being children rather than giving them the love and respect they need and crave.


Many of the blogs I read are those of mothers with children. It always blesses me to read mothers who are clearly in love with their husbands and who are proud of their children's activities and accomplishments. You can tell these women have pure love and joy for their families and that is uplifting to me. Thank you, you're doing a great job and encouraging me!


Are you blessing your husband and children with your tongue? Do they know your love and your thankfulness for them? Do you need to work on this area of guarding your tongue? Give yourself a challenge: Try to go a day without saying anything negative to your husband. Can you go a week without saying anything negative to others about your husband? You could try the same challenges with your words about your children. The words from our tongues need to lift up and encourage our husband and children. I hope you will make it a goal to speak positively. You might be surprised at the results and how others will notice your positive attitude.


To conclude today, many of you are on Facebook and may have noticed on Thursdays I use my status for friends to leave a comment of something they are thankful for. I am going to start adding a day every now and then for you to speak positively about your husbands and another day for children. It is good to think about our husbands and children in a positive light, and we can let others know the ways they bless our lives instead of everything they do wrong. I hope you'll join me if you're one of my Facebook buddies.
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"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10