I play doubles tennis which means I play on a team of two — me and my partner. We win or lose together. It is not possible for me to win without her or for her to win without me.

Over the years, I’ve noticed that the way I treat my partner, and vice versa, matters a great deal. Our communication with each other affects the outcome of our match more than our skill level. If I consistently say encouraging things during our match, she will relax and play more confidently. If I insult and belittle her every move, even the strongest player will falter, at least a little.

Words have a lot of power. Especially when uttered under stressful situations by someone nearby whom you rely on.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬, ‭CSB‬‬)

Tennis partnerships have a lot in common with other relationships. Anytime people attempt to work together toward a goal, communication can make or break the project. A loose comment here and there may feel trivial, but it is not. Imagine every cutting word you say is literally cutting the listener. Soon they will be distracted, frustrated, and hindered by the pain and bleeding. Their focus will be taken from your goal and shifted toward protection and healing.

If I want success in anything I do, I should carefully watch what I say. Do I want to hinder my own progress with careless comments? Or do I want to reach new heights by building the strength of those in a position to pull me up?

Dear God, thank you for giving me teammates, friends, coworkers, and partners to work with in this life. Teach me how to filter my thoughts carefully before I turn them into words. Guide me toward encouragement instead of criticism, and show me how this leads to an easier, more productive day for us all.