I can remember those words growing up.  I don’t think I fully understood them until this morning.

I know its a saying – could be a “southern saying.”

What does it mean?  Basically – just being mean to be mean.  To hurt.  To hate.  To control.  For no other purpose but meanness.

I love how God brings meaning to words and it is always with purpose.  A loving purpose.

We have become a mean society.  It is a new standard.  Revengeful.  Hurting.  Hating. Selfish.

It is time to wake up and start realizing the mess we have got ourselves in to.

All a person has to do today is speak out “words” and then those with hearing ears start taking those words and analyzing and changing the meaning.  And then it goes crazy from there.

The enemy deploys his followers to destroy relationships.  Sad.

Part of my journey this year is to discover new words – a new way to speak out without the sharp bitterness of revenge or of controlling.  It takes a little forethought and it takes moments of just stopping and being quiet.

Yes, my words need to be encouraging and yet those words cannot miss the point of the conflict that surrounds me.

Another day of thoughts without jumping into the mess to put my two-cents worth in.  I am going to wait – ponder – listen to the Holy Spirit speak words of wisdom to me.  Just maybe, I can start a fire – a fire of love burning out the meanness that surrounds me.

What about you – is there just plain meanness in your heart?  Meanness that surrounds you from every corner of your life?

Two verses that I will be pondering today:

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.  – Proverbs 27:17

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.  – Ephesians 4:29

Remember, our words need to encourage but we cannot miss the point of the conflict.

My Song:  We need to be souls on fire – burning with the love of God.

Soul on Fire