WORDS

As believers, we have an obligation before God to evaluate the impact of that which comes from our lips. Our journey here is much too brief to spend it using insensitive words that don't edify. Christians are to speak things that instruct, enlighten, and uplift. 

Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace to those who hear it.  Ephesians 4:29-30

Be a person who builds up rather than tears down, for one day we will be held accountable for every remark.

Richard Hooker - There will come a time when three words, uttered with charity and meekness, shall receive a far more blessed reward than three thousand volumes written with disdainful sharpness of wit.

If you've been hurt, deep feelings of animosity toward the offender can foster outrage and 'ill will'. It could then darken into a malicious exchange of hate-filled words. The following verse calls us to end all the 'spite' that keeps score of wrongdoing.

Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath and resentment and quarreling and slander be banished from you, with all malice.  Ephesians 4:31

'Kindness' should be the mantle associated with every follower of Christ. It is that gentle, gracious, easy-to-be-entreated demeanor that permits others to be at ease in your presence. 

And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.  Ephesians 4:32 

Though we might not be able to attain this inner disposition all at once, God desires that we immediately start putting away the old nature and putting on the new. The 'words' you use will be evidence of whether sanctification has gained a foothold in your walk of faith.