Speak to each other, “Shabbat shalom”

Words have the power to impart peace to yourself and others, creating an atmosphere of rest. They also have the power to bring fear and destruction. Words have the power to bind and loose: “‘Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’” (Matthew 18:18, NIV)  

Do you use your words to bring peace at work or in your home? Are you known as a Barnabas? “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’).” (Acts 4:36, NIV)  

Words are the conduit to peace and rest. Peace does not come from the circumstances of your life but your interpretation of these events and the self-talk that follows. You have the power to disarm negative self-talk and destructive events. It’s time to reinterpret and reframe every negative word and event that would try to destroy you. Your words have the power to change the atmosphere in your home, office, and school. 

I love to spend time at two local cafés. Luiz is the owner of Sambalatte. He attends our church and always encourages me while I sip my cappuccino and snack on a muffin. That’s right, I just confessed a weakness. The other café is a little different; it’s run by a Jewish believer who greets me with “Shabbat shalom.” Wow! Both of them release blessings into my life in their own unique ways. They’ve created restful and safe places with the aroma of coffee and their positive words.

Would you like to bring peace and create a positive and restful environment everywhere you go?

You can do so with your words and the Holy Spirit. The Bible says, “…Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:18-19, NIV)

So I dare you to change your world with your words because you are a miracle.