The surest way to turn a good day bad, for yourself and for others, is to spew negative words. In truth, if we often speak negativity, it turns into our norm. I know someone in particular whose conversation overflows with negativity. When I know I’ll be around that person, I approach the event mentally prepared.

Negative words and thoughts are not worthless, they do carry power. They trigger bleak emotion, aggressive action, cause pain, and forbid joy to evolve within you. Negativity does not nurture joy.

Matthew 15:10-11 Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

Stop the negativity.

1.The time is here. Negativity seems to be shouted over the basic teachings of Christ. This is warned to us in the Bible—that we will suit our own desires. But do not let negativity take hold in your household. Remember to continually pray for The Lord to be with you and your family.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

2.As you wake in the morning, prepare yourself to stand on God’s word. Choose to begin your day with joy by trusting Him! Position your heart to be right with God and be thankful for all the LORD does! You can either memorize the following verse, or write it on a sticky-note and place it on your bathroom mirror.

Psalm 95:1-3 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.

3. When you believe in Jesus Christ, you receive His power. If negative thoughts enter your mind, take them captive and turn them over to Christ. It is Christ, the One through whom we receive all joy, who will make those negative thoughts obey His word.

2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

4.The Bible tells us our words should benefit those who listen. This includes all that we hear ourselves saying. Sharing goodness through words with others is the perfect way to experience joy—for both parties— and defeat negativity.

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

5.It is important to remember, though they are “just words”, empty words are sinful. And there is no room for joy in our hearts if our hearts are filled with sin. One must acknowledge sin to God in order to be free from the sin.

Matthew 12:36-37 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Now is the time to ask God for forgiveness for all the empty words you’ve ever spoken. Try and remember specific instances and turn them over in repentance. If you are like me you have too many of those conversations to remember. However, there are certain conversations I am truly ashamed of, and only God can remove my shame and replace it with joy. He can do the same for you!

Heavenly Father, You are the true God, Creator of all things seen and unseen. And though others may not see my evil thoughts—You do. I confess them to You now. I have thought badly of others and have spoke intentional hurtful words to others. I have also gossiped against people I don’t even know and people I dearly love. Please forgive me. I am sorry. In Jesus’ name I ask for verbal and mental healing, for power not to do it again, for joy to live in my heart. Amen

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