Words

I had a "friend" that I nicknamed "Brutally Honest." It seemed as though every time we were together she would start one of her sentences with, "Can I be brutally honest..?" When she would begin this sentence, I would brace myself because I knew the words that followed would be hurtful.

I always felt as though she thought she had full permission to say whatever she wanted about me as long as she started the sentence with.. Can I be brutally honest. Needless to say, I did not spend a lot of time with her. Who would want to?

Our words can attract or detract people. If you are a person who offers uplifting words and encouragement, then chances are you are surrounded by many friends who reciprocate the encouragement. People want to be around others who make them feel valued. The opposite, of course, is also true, thus the old saying, "misery loves company,"

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:28-30

Take time to think about the words that you are speaking. Are your words beneficial and are they creating an environment where people feel encouraged, uplifted, and valued-- if not rethink what you are about to say.