Are My Words A Gift?

I learn a lot while trying to raise my children.  How do I teach them the right way?  This morning was interesting. Jeremiah thought Jasmine needed to be told how to read because she was not doing it right.  His way of  "helping" was not very nice. It sounded more like a put down because he thinks he reads better than her.  I suggested he should ask her does she want help instead of coming down on her like a sledgehammer.  She was discouraged enough to want to stop reading because of his comments.   How can I help us learn something from this moment?


I was reminded of the scripture, Ephesians 4:29 which says "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."  I said it more to myself than to them, but they heard and had this expression on their face like I was speaking another language.


Then I remembered that Florence Littauer explained it better for kids in her book,  Silver Boxes.   She said our words should be like a gift.  Who could resist a beautifully, wrapped present?  Even when someone needs correction, it should be presented in the spirit of love.


My kids understand about receiving presents so I think they understood what I was trying to say.  I read Silver Boxes a long time ago so I do not remember all the details.  She wrote stories from her life about how words help and hurt people.   If I read it again any time soon then I will write a book review for you.


Anyway, the point is our words should be used to build up, encourage, restore and show love.  We have been on the receiving end of the opposite and know the pain inflicted by words.  Let's think and pause before speaking so we do not harm others.


"Are my words a gift?"