What do you say about yourself?
What do you say about yourself?
It is so easy for your family and friends to notice when we are speaking negatively about others. But what about what we say about ourselves. What do we say about our situations? How do you see yourself?
I know you're thinking; sometimes, you must call it like it is. This may be true in some situations.
However, let's remember out of the abundance of our heart, our mouth speaks. And our hearts are the gatekeeper of our mouths. So, before we can address how we speak of others, we must change how we speak of ourselves. Our tongues have the POWER to build up and tear down.
It is so easy to recognize that when we are doing it to others. But guess what, YOU have that same POWER to build yourself up or tear you down.
Negative self–talk equals self–sabotage. We defect ourselves before we ever get a chance to fulfill the opportunity, goals, and dreams. It can come from fear, low self–esteem, lack of confidence in yourself, being wounded by others, or insecurities. I know this so well because I used to self–sabotage often.
I would disqualify myself and make up all kinds of excuses why I couldn't do something. I allowed my fear to dictate my ability to do what I knew God was calling me to do.
The good news is this is NOT a permanent state of mind. You can change this behavior TODAY.
Remember, the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
So, you have a choice to speak life and produce positive fruit or speak negative and reap death. (Self – sabotage)
Here are a few steps to positive self–talk.
Look in the mirror and speak positive affirmations about yourself daily. This may feel uncomfortable the first few times. But you keep going until it feels natural.
Use the word of God to define who you are. Speak God's word over you daily.
If you feel broken or wounded, seek Godly counsel (preferably). Sometimes, our negative words can come from being hurt and wounded by others. It can make it hard to see the world around us in a positive way.
Pray for God's help and healing.
Guard your heart closely.
Be slow to speak. Think your thoughts out in your head before you release them out of your mouth. God's word tells us, "Do not be hast for nothing." and "to be slow to speak."
Mostly, give yourself the GRACE to change your behavior. God's grace is patient. Love yourself enough to want to be better. We all can be better and do better.
You're not alone!
Remember, what you sow is what you reap. You sow kindness; you will reap kindness.
Reference scriptures:
Proverbs 18:20-21
New International Version
20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled. with the harvest of their lips, they are satisfied.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 12:18 (KJV 1900)
18 There is that speak like the piercings of a sword:
But the tongue of the wise is health.
Proverbs 10:19 (KJV 1900)
19 In the multitude of words there want not sin:
But he that refrain his lips is wise.
. James I:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
Ecclesiastes 5:2
Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven, and you are on earth, so let your words be few.