Experts Discover, Develop Formulaic Ratio of How Many Positive Words it Takes to Offset a Negative Word
So, we need to always speak faith filled words, in fact as God does, we need to call those things that be not as though they were (Romans 4:17).
So now science is proving that we need more positive words to counter every negative word. Isn't that amazing. Science is now discovering what God has been trying to tell us for years. Speak faith - for without Faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). One needs to consciously train themselves to speak faith filled words, as this world we live in is negatively charge so we need more positive charge to overcome it's effects.
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Experts Discover, Develop Formulaic Ratio of How Many Positive Words it Takes to Offset a Negative Word
Teresa Neumann (April 6, 2008)
It takes more positive, affirming words to offset negative criticisms. Practical tips given to develop positivity between spouses include: "Compliment your spouse in front of others—including the children. Don't pour it on thick; keep it true and sincere. It's better, but not necessary, if your mate hears your praise. You're developing a habit."
EDITOR'S NOTE: I am a huge believer in being careful about the words we speak, to ourselves, and to others. I'm always telling my husband and kids, "With just His words, God created the heavens and earth; we are made in His image, and our words have power too, so be careful what you say!" The Bible calls us to choose our words wisely, speaking words of healing. Certainly, the world is filled with so much of the opposite; it behooves God's people to speak words of life—we all so desperately need it. Science once again seems to be confirming what the Bible teaches, as the following article reveals. Before you read it, consider these verses below—favorites of mine—from the book of Proverbs (NKJV). –Aimee Herd, BCN.
"There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health." –Prov. 12:18
"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." –Prov.15:4
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." –Prov. 18:21
Bert notes studies conducted by Dr. John Cacioppo of the University of Chicago which have shown what he calls 'the negativity bias' of the brain. "That's why personal insults or criticism hit us harder and stay with us longer," says Bert.
Bert also asserts that we have a "built-in partiality toward negative information," but that negatives increase disproportionately over positives.
In other words, she says, "It's not a one-to-one ratio; one positive cannot offset one negative," giving the example of a wife thanking her husband for helping her with a chore and then five minutes later criticizing him for not doing something.
The negative, she notes, drowns out the positive, and "our brain needs a higher number of positive entries to counterbalance this built-in negativity bias....Several small, frequent, positive acts pack more punch than one giant-size positive. The size of the positive doesn't count; quantity does. It's strictly a numbers game."
The formula, researchers have reportedly concluded, is a ratio of 2-to-1. It takes two positives to offset one negative, and some believe the ratio should be 5-to-1 for married couples.
To read more of Bert's research and observations and tips on cultivating the use of positive words to change bad habits and strengthen relationships, (they include making lists, practicing "daily doubles," giving "high-fives," complimenting and not interrupting your spouse, thankfulness and appreciation, thinking before you speak, and a good dose of humor) click on the link provided.
We have our work cut out for us, don't we....?
Source: Peggy Bert - Christianity Today
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