“Only you can prevent forest fires.” 🔥
Who knew the words Smokey Bear taught us as children could not only help us save a literal forest but could also help us save all of our relationships?
In James 3:5, we read, “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”
How often have you said something in a moment, and seconds, minutes, hours, or maybe even days later, you realized the damage you had done? You may have wished you hadn’t said the words, for even after you were humble enough to ask for forgiveness, the damage remained.
Our words have the power to give life to our relationships. They also have the power to completely destroy them.
In moments of anger or high emotion, don’t speak. Instead, first go to God and ask for wisdom. Then speak.
You can’t do one step and not the other though.
Just as powerful as saying the wrong words can be, avoiding conflict in communication also creates a fire. It leads to a burning flame of resentment that overtime will also completely destroy a relationship.
If there is something you need to forgive someone for, or there is something you need to ask forgiveness for from someone, do it sooner than later. But choose the words you use wisely. Use words that speak the truth.
Remember to only attack the problem, not the person. Approach your conversation in a way that lifts the person you are talking with up to Christ.
Instead of saying, “You’re so crazy for acting this way,” say, “I can see you’re struggling. Let’s cast the anxiety you have on God.”
Instead of saying, “You’re being a coward for not doing this,” say, “Let’s pray for the strength to tackle this together.”
Remember, communication is a heart problem. If your heart is bitter and full of anger, your communication will follow that pattern. If instead, your heart is full of gratitude, your communication will also exemplify gratitude for others.
In everything you do, avoid words rooted in self-righteousness designed to glorify you and instead choose words designed to lift others up and glorify God as you build your relationships stronger.
Only you can prevent forest fires! 🐻 👅 🔥
Adapted from this great message on communication as part of the ReEngage program.
