Ronald C. Jordan, managing editor of “Deliver’s Voice of Victory” shared some important tips on his Editor’s Letter titled, “Think, Then Speak!”
These are important tips every writer worth his salt should take heed and listen to with utmost attention.
“As a writer, I think a lot about words. Not only what they mean and their origin, but also the power that words hold and how they can literally affect our life and the lives of those around us”, he said with utmost caution and concern.
“How many times, for example, have you found yourself in a situation where you said something in haste, or because of anger or hurt, only to realize afterward the damage your words caused?, he added.
“You think something else like, I can’t believe I said that! Or, Lord, I apologize, I didn’t mean what I said, I wish I could take those words back, ” further he said. It’s interesting how quick we are at times to respond or “speak our mind” or may I hasten to add, “write when angry”. This topic reminds me of the late Jesus Begonia’s caveat: “There are words better left unsaid.”.
“It’s interesting how quick we are at times to respond or “speak our mind,” never really giving thought to how what we’re about to say will affect others. We just open our mouths and let the words fly,” Jordan said.
In James 1:19, the Bible says, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak….”. When you’re slow to speak, that means you take the time to think about what you’re going to say. If you really think about your words before speaking, chances are you won’t say hurtful, harmful things.
Colossians 4:6, The Message, tells us to be ‘gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.”
Should be: “The only way to control our tongue is with God’s help. He always knows what words we should use, when to use them, and how best use them. Think about that the next time you’re tempted to speak too quickly. Stop long enough to ask yourself, is what I’m about to say going to help, or hurt?. Then, trust God with your words,” he finally wrote.
