Nothing impacts others more than your words.

In fact, the most powerful, effective tool in your arsenal today is your words.

How many conversations or interactions will you have today? More than 100?

Before I leave my house, I have impacted four people with my words. At a brief stop at my coffee shop, there is another one. The ride on the elevator to my office, another one. The greetings in the hallway, a few more.

Then the meetings start, interrupted by business and personal calls throughout the day. The quick check-in with my wife. The call from my daughter. On and on and on.

Every exchange has an impact on someone else. Each conversation is an opportunity to build another up or break them down. The inflection, the tone, the pace of my words all impact other people.

Reflect on yesterday. We each had winning conversations and losing conversations. If you are anything like me, sometimes you let your guard down and reserve those negative conversations with those you love most.

The tongue has the ability to unify. One on one conversations can create a bridge. Public displays of support grow another’s confidence. I heard this description about a mentor of mine: “When he sits down to eat, he never has others for lunch.” False victories come from slandering others.

The tongue has the ability to give grace. When grace, the benefit of the doubt, is at the tip of your tongue, others receive fuel. The book Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidaracalls this making the “charitable assumption.” Mistakes happen; let that be known.

The tongue has the ability to create momentum. In a world of issues, words can flip the switch the other direction, create a flame, help others see that, despite the storm, it will be okay.

The tongue communicates value. If I have time for a word with another, the other person receives a message of “I am valued.” Have you ever talked to someone who opens with, “I have five minutes until my next meeting.” Think that adds fuel to another’s tank? Think they feel valued?

The power move today is to impact others with your words.

And as your words fill the tanks of others, your tank will remain full. Encouragement always encourages the deliverer.

Scripture: James 3:1-12

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