Let me ask you something – have you ever said something you regretted?
We’ve all been there. Sometimes, our words seem to have a mind of their own, flowing from us without consideration of the impact they might have on others or ourselves. But the Bible reminds, on several occasions, us that our words hold tremendous power. In James 3:9-10, we are told:
“With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
These verses remind us, friends, that being grateful is a choice.
The same mouth that can offer words of praise to God can, in the same breath, express grumbling and complaints about the people and circumstances around us. It’s a sobering thought when we realize how often we find ourselves choosing the latter. Yet, the call from James is clear: this shouldn’t be.
Replacing Complaints with Praise
Making the shift from complaining to praising isn’t always easy. It requires intentionality and discipline. But the more we practice, the easier it becomes. Here are a few practical ways to start replacing complaints with praise:
1.) Catch Yourself Complaining
The first step in overcoming any negative habit is awareness. Pay attention to when you begin to complain. Is it about something small, like traffic or the weather? Or is it about bigger challenges? Once you notice yourself complaining, pause and ask, “How can I turn this into an opportunity to praise?” Instead of focusing on the frustration, look for something to be thankful for.
2.) Speak Life Over Your Circumstances
Instead of talking about how difficult your situation is, try speaking words of life and hope. Speak the truth of God’s Word over your circumstances. If you’re facing financial strain, declare that God will provide according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). If you’re struggling with a health issue, remind yourself that God is your healer (Exodus 15:26). When we speak God’s promises, we invite His power into our situations.
3.) Use Your Words to Encourage Others
When we praise God, we often find that we also begin to lift up those around us. Complaints can easily spread negativity, but praise has the opposite effect. Try complimenting others, offering words of encouragement, and being a source of positivity in your relationships. Your words can have a profound impact on the people you interact with.
4.) Reflect on God’s Goodness
Take time each day to reflect on all the good things God has done for you. Whether it’s through prayer, journaling, or simply sitting in silence, allow yourself to dwell on His goodness. The more we focus on what God has done, the less room there is for complaints to take hold.
5.) Ask God for a Heart Change
At the root of our choice between praise and complaint is the state of our hearts. When our hearts are aligned with God’s truth and love, our words will naturally reflect that. In Matthew 12:34, Jesus says, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” If we want to see a change in the words we speak, we need to first allow God to transform our hearts.
When we cultivate a heart of gratitude and praise, our words will follow suit. It’s not about ignoring our struggles but about choosing to focus on the goodness of God even in the midst of them. In doing so, we reflect the love and joy of Jesus to the world around us.
The words we speak hold great power. James warns us that with the same mouth, we can both praise God and curse others. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to something better. We have the opportunity, each time we speak, to choose gratitude over grumbling and praise over complaint. Let’s be intentional with our words, recognizing that in every moment, we have the choice to reflect God’s goodness and love, not only in our lives but in the lives of those around us. Choose praise today — and every day — because the impact of our words is greater than we often realize.
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