The Power of a Gentle Word

I’ll be the first to admit—I don’t always get it right when it comes to my words. Some days, I wake up feeling patient and full of grace, ready to be the calm, gentle mama I want to be. But then real life happens. Someone spills their juice for the third time, a toddler meltdown is in full swing, and the sibling squabbles are at an all-time high. And before I know it, my words come out sharp, short, and frustrated.

But the other day, I saw a reflection of my words in my daughter’s. She was playing with her dolls, and I overheard her scolding them in the same impatient tone I had used earlier that morning. My heart sank. It was a wake-up call that reminded me of Proverbs 15:1:

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

How often do I stir up anger in my home instead of diffusing it? How often do my quick, harsh words teach my children to respond the same way?

God has been convicting me about the way I use my voice, especially in the little moments. I want my words to be a safe place for my kids—a source of comfort, security, and love. I want my home to be filled with kindness, not criticism. That doesn’t mean I won’t correct or discipline, but it does mean I need to slow down, take a deep breath, and choose gentleness over frustration.

Maybe you’ve had those moments too—when your words spill out before your heart has a chance to catch up. But here’s the beautiful thing: we can always reset. We can model what it looks like to ask for forgiveness. We can invite Jesus into our parenting and let Him transform our hearts so that our words reflect His love.

Today, let’s ask God to help us speak with wisdom, kindness, and patience. Let’s be the gentle answer in our homes.