Message from the Word: Word curses. We often may think of these as hurtful words that someone has spoken about us. The parent who continually called their child “stupid” or told them they wouldn’t amount to anything. But a while back, the Lord showed Kathy and myself, that we needed to go a step beyond that. He showed us that even just the little “teasing” that takes place are word curses. You know, like when one sibling calls the other “weird” or “goofy” or “odd”. Now this may seem insignificant, but when we call each other these names over and over again, they become a “curse” on that person. Because of this revelation, we now have a new rule in our home. We only speak words that edify, build up or encourage the other person. Think about it. How often have you called someone “odd” or “crazy” or “dorky” even in fun? As our scripture says, we are all made in God’s image. We need to watch even the little words we use. Jesus said in Mat 12:36-37: “And I say to you that in the day when they are judged, men will have to give an account of every foolish word they have said. For by your words will your righteousness be seen, and by your words you will be judged.”  So think about the words you use. Are your words edifying, building up and encouraging the other person? Or are you speaking word curses, even if in fun?

Prayer: Lord, I ask for your forgiveness for any words I have spoken over others that did not edify that person. I break those word curses in Jesus’ name and ask you to help me speak only those things that you have said about them. Help me, from now on, to only speak words that will edify, build up, and encourage the other person. I pray this in Jesus’ name.