Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

WORDS: Words can be irritating, exasperating, discouraging, devastating, and meddling; or they can be encouraging, life changing, discerning, supporting, and loving. Truly, death and life are in the power of the tongue.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”  This old saying is not true.  If I hit you with a stick, it may hurt you for a few minutes or even a few days, but in a short time the wound will heal and you will be free from every trace of the injury.  However, if I call you names, belittle you, or shame you with my words, the wound can live in your memory and heart for the remainder of your life. 

            Scriptures tell us that we will give an answer for every careless word we speak (Matthew 12:36). We are reminded that it is better for us to be thrown into the deep sea than to cause a child to sin (Mark 9:42). We cannot afford to lose our temper or harbor resentment or bitterness toward one of our students.

            Keep short accounts with your students.  Clear offenses quickly. Pray for those who irritate you. Congenial students are easy to love but a teacher must purposefully determine to love the challenging students too.  Allow the love of God to teach you how to love those students you find unlovely. God has promised that His grace is sufficient for you; he can take your lack of love and transform it into genuine love just by asking Him to do it. Do not live beneath God’s promises. Let God’s love permeate your heart for each student. Pray for unconditional love. God can and will miraculously answer your prayers. I know; I have personally experienced it. It works! 

            Why do we need genuine love for each student? Because I Corinthians 13:4-7 states Love is patient, kind. …It is not rude …not self-seeking …not easily angered …It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. These character traits will prepare teachers to lead their students into knowledge, self-acceptance, and determination to become all that they can be. Without love, the teacher is nothing …gain(s) nothing …is like a resounding gong …a clanging cymbal (I Corinthians 13:1-3).

Dear God, Let blessing and not cursing come from my lips today. Remind me to ask for your supernatural love.  Prick my heart with conviction if I mistreat my students. I want my heart to be a reflection of yours toward each child.  Only you can accomplish such a colossal miracle in me. I submit myself to your miracle working power.