“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.“

 Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)

In the midst of today’s fast-paced and often challenging world, it’s all too easy to succumb to the allure of negativity and cynicism. We are inundated with a constant stream of negative news, social media rants, and divisive political debates. Amidst this overwhelming deluge of negativity, maintaining a positive outlook can seem like an impossible task.

Yet, the wisdom of the Bible offers us a guiding principle in Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for building up and giving grace to those who hear.” This profound verse reminds us of the immense power our words possess and encourages us to be intentional in choosing them, both in our personal lives and in our interactions with others.

Positive words hold a transformative power that extends far beyond their surface meaning. When we speak positively, we sow seeds of hope and encouragement, nurturing a nurturing environment where others can thrive and reach their full potential. Positive words have the remarkable ability to uplift spirits, inspire action, and bridge gaps between people. They are a balm for wounded hearts and a catalyst for building strong, meaningful relationships.

Conversely, negative words can be a destructive force, tearing people down and leaving a trail of discouragement and pain in their wake. They create a toxic atmosphere that stifles growth and hinders progress. Negative words have the power to erode self-esteem, diminish confidence, and create a sense of isolation and worthlessness.

I remember this one leader that I had at one point in my career. They hired me to haul equipment for them and learn mechanics.  Right up my alley!  When I first hired on they told me that that my main priority would be hauling equipment.  I was stoked to start running a lowboy across the western US. 

It didn’t take long for me to pick up the store locations and I started making GREAT relationships with our clients as I dropped off equipment and picked up returns. 

I was going way above and beyond to get where I needed to be in a timely manner. I would load up the night before in Durango, and then head out at 2 am just after I got my 10 hours off duty.  I would drive straight through to the drop-off location.  If I had to be in salt lake city by 8 am I would make sure that rolled up to the yard at 7:30. when they opened the gates I would be ready to drop the load so that I could turn and burn.

Then one day after I got home and was getting ready to head home for the weekend my boss came into the shop and started reading me the right act for leaving so early in the morning.  He wanted me to leave later and get home later. 

What I learned from him was that he would have got me on board with his plan WAY easier if he had just called me and said, “Hey Dan. I need you to hang around Salt Lake for a few more hours while I get a few things figured out.  Take a couple of hour break and then hit me up at about 10 to see if I have any more equipment that needs to come this way. 

Instead, when I got home he ripped my but up one side and down the other. In front of everyone in the shop.  Needless to say, I didn’t work there very long. I left them and they tried like heck to get me to stay on. The owner of the company even called me to ask what it would take to keep me.  There was nothing they could do now to keep me there. 

All because of the way one “supervisor” acted out in anger because he wasn’t prepared. And I’m sure that he got questioned about it by his supervisor. Instead of taking ownership, he chose to take his anger out on me. 

The choice of whether to use positive or negative words lies solely with us. We possess the ability to either uplift and empower or tear down and destroy. Let us make a conscious decision to use our words wisely, harnessing their positive potential to make a meaningful impact on the world around us.

Here are some practical tips to help you incorporate more positive words into your daily interactions:

• Be mindful of your word choice: Pay close attention to the words you use and make a conscious effort to opt for positive alternatives whenever possible.
• Resist the temptation to vent: When feeling overwhelmed by negative emotions, refrain from expressing them through negative words. Instead, find healthier outlets for your frustrations, such as exercise, journaling, or seeking support from a trusted friend or therapist.
• Use positive words to uplift others: A few kind and encouraging words can have a profound impact on someone’s day. Make it a habit to offer compliments, express gratitude, and provide support to those around you.
• Speak positively about yourself: When discussing yourself, focus on your strengths, accomplishments, and positive qualities. This practice not only boosts your self-esteem but also sets a positive example for others.
• Create a positive environment: The words we use have the power to shape the atmosphere of a room. Choose words that create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment, fostering positive interactions and connections.
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By incorporating these strategies into our lives, we can harness the transformative power of positive words to uplift ourselves, inspire others, and create a more positive and harmonious world. Let us rise above the noise of negativity and embrace the boundless potential of positive language to bring about lasting change and growth.