2 SPEAK LIFE, NOT DEATH INTO YOUR
CHILDREN.

“I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to say that.” Excuses after we have spoken death will not undo the damage of poison deposited into a child’s heart.

Jesus reminds us that out of our hearts, our mouths speak. If we don’t mean it, then we should not say it.

Think before you speak. Be certain that your words build up instead of tear down a child’s life. Keep yourself accountable. For a week, write down a daily journal in which you log all the positive and negative statements you make to your child. Do the negatives outweigh the positives?

My rule of thumb is that is takes at least ten positive statements to remedy one negative remark. Do your critical remarks drain life out of your child and leave him or her empty, lonely, abandoned, and hurting?

Speaking life into a child begins with acceptance and listening and overflows with affirmation, encouragement, edification, support, and speaking significance into a child’s daily walk. Instead of continual criticism, try positive correction and intentional compliments for a child’s efforts to grow and mature.

Life speaks to a child’s personhood, positive performance, and potential. Death constantly points out a child’s failure, mistakes, and misguided thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. You are not your child’s accuser, judge, or prosecuting attorney. You are your child’s teacher, supporter, encourager, and godly parent.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21).