Habits for the Mother: The Habit of Speaking Words of Life
The Habit of Speaking Words of Life
Lets set the scene, you ask your children to pick up their room and leave them to their task to attend the baby, or the toddler, or any of the million other things calling your name. When you come back the room is messier than ever. New craft supplies litter the floor, the child has changed their clothes, and it honestly looks like if you threw everything away and started over it would be easier. “You’re such a slob!" you burst. “I asked you to clean one thing and you can’t even do that! I can’t take it anymore!”
Our words have a lasting impact. They can heal, encourage, and build up, or they can wound, discourage, and tear down. As mothers, we set the tone in our homes, and the words we choose each day have the power to shape the hearts of those around us.
The habit of speaking words of life is the intentional practice of using speech that blesses, encourages, and strengthens. It is not about ignoring problems or pretending everything is perfect. Rather, it is choosing to speak truth with kindness and to call out what is good, lovely, and worthy of praise. Our words matter so deeply because these are what our children will replay in their minds as they get older.
Why This Habit Matters for Mothers
The atmosphere of our home often reflects the words that are most often spoken within it. A gentle tone can calm a tense moment. An encouraging word can inspire perseverance. A blessing spoken over our children can give them courage to try again.
When we cultivate this habit, we are creating an environment where hearts feel safe, minds feel inspired, and relationships grow strong. Scripture reminds us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). The words we choose can either plant seeds of peace or seeds of unrest.
For the mother, speaking words of life is also an act of obedience to the Lord. It is part of loving our neighbor, and our nearest neighbors are often the ones within our own walls.
How to Cultivate the Habit of Speaking Words of Life
Begin with the Word
Spend time each day in Scripture, letting your own heart be filled with the truth of God. What fills our hearts will eventually overflow into our speech.Pause Before Speaking
When faced with a challenging moment, take a breath before you respond. Ask yourself, “Will my words help or harm?”Practice Specific Encouragement
Instead of vague praise, notice and name the specific good you see in your children, your spouse, and even yourself.Speak Blessings Aloud
Make it a daily practice to bless your children with words from Scripture, prayers, or affirmations rooted in truth.Guard Against Complaining
Be mindful of how often your words dwell on the negative. Choose instead to focus on gratitude and hope.
Book Recommendations
Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot
The Power of a Woman’s Words by Sharon Jaynes
Gentle Answers by Matthew Henry (excerpts and devotional form)
Closing Encouragement for Mothers
The habit of speaking words of life begins in the quiet of your own heart. As you spend time with the Lord and allow His Word to dwell richly within you, you will find your speech naturally reflects His gentleness and truth. This habit will not only bless those you love, it will anchor your own soul in what is good and lasting.
Small words, spoken with love, can leave a legacy that will outlast us. May we choose them with care and use them for the glory of God.
A Step Further
Blogging through these habits has been a refreshing gift to myself and I hope you’ve felt the same. I’ve compiled 20 habits I intentionally cultivate and prepared them in a journal for you. I hope walking through this journal with intention and prayer is a rich experience.
