Hi, Sherry Kyle here, encouraging you from my laptop in Central California.

Have you ever said something you later regretted? Maybe you wrote something you wish would disappear from cyber space. Or maybe you were the recipient from someone’s harsh criticism. I relate to each one of these. I’m sure you do too.

As authors we also put our characters through difficult relationships. The only way our characters will grow is if they go through conflict. After all, life is complicated and messy. Right?

Spoken words are a huge part of how we communicate. Words can hurt . . . or words can encourage. Here’s what the Bible
says:

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18)

“Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.” (Proverbs 18:20 NLT)

So, how do we bring about a change in our characters’ spiritual journey? By having them change the way they speak. Here are four tips from the Bible:

1. Speak the truth without being deceptive.

“The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4)

2. Be gentle.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

3.  Find appropriate words.

“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)

4. Think before you speak.

“A good man thinks before he speaks; the evil man pours out his evil words without a thought.” (Proverbs 15:28)

I need to learn these tips in real life. What about you?