The Dirty Dozen

Here are twelve words that can help transform your life by transforming the way you talk.

• "Please" and "Thank You" ... These words show appreciation and treat others like people and not things.  This is especially true for those who have managerial or supervisory responsibilities.  Remember, if you ever see a frog on a fence post, he didn't get there by himself.  Parents should also use these power words when talking with our children so that we are modeling for them how they are to speak to others.
• "I'm Sorry" ... These words demonstrate humility and break down walls to build bridges in relationships.  We tend to struggle at relationships and friendships mostly because we won't shed our pride and put others before ourselves.  Our inability to take responsibility for our actions and words causes God's grace to be blocked from flowing through our lives (Matthew 6:14-15)
• "I Love You" ... These words carry tremendous power to encourage and affirm people.  Husbands and wives need to learn to say these words to each other everyday.  I heard of one man who said he told his wife on their wedding day, "I love you and if that ever changes I'll let you know."  Parents need to be intentional about telling our children that we love them.
• "I'm Praying for You" ... When you talk to God about people then you can talk to people about God.  What an encouragement to know that someone is actually praying for us.

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear."  --Ephesians 4:29