The story is told of a conference speaker who regularly asks his audiences to raise their hands if they thought they could go 24 hours without saying any unkind words about or to another person. He implores them to be honest. Without exception, only a handful of people raise their hands. On several occasions people have actually shouted out, “No!”

Joseph Telushkin, author of Words That Hurt, Words That Heal said, "If you cannot go 24 hours without drinking liquor, you are addicted to alcohol. If you cannot go 24 hours without smoking, you are addicted to nicotine. Similarly, if you cannot go 24 hours without saying unkind words to or about others, then you have lost control of your tongue.”

God says it clearly: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful or building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29, NIV)

We all need the encouragement and support that comes from words that are kind and affirming. Every one of us has that need. But the need is even greater for those who didn't hear such words growing up. 

Kind words build others up. Unkind words tear them down. If you can't say anything nice about someone you're not looking deep enough. Build them up with your words according to their needs. It will benefit them. And it will benefit you. 
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Most other nine-year-old boys wanted LEGOs, basketballs, or any electronic device that came with a remote control. Paulie was not like most other nine-year-old boys. What he wanted most in the world was his father's blessing.

Paulie was never sure his dad wanted him, let alone loved him. Most of the comments Paulie's father directed toward his son were critical. Paulie could just as well have been named Screw-up. That was his father "jokingly" called him.

Paulie tried and tried to earn his father’s blessing. He was always obedient. He went out of his way to be helpful. He was determined to get good grades at school. One day, Paulie was so excited about his report card that he ran all the way home, clutching it like a prisoner holding parole papers. He had earned all A’s and one A-minus. He couldn't wait to show his dad.

His father's response? "How can you get an A-minus in English? What’s wrong with you?" Despite his honor roll status at school, at home Paulie was failing at what mattered most—winning his dad's approval.

As was his habit, Paulie tried another approach. One Saturday, while his friends were out playing, Paulie spent the entire day doing yard work. He wasn't asked to do it. That's why he thought it would make even more of an impression on his dad.

Paulie spent the entire day mowing, trimming, and edging. He didn't merely rake the grass, he combed it. He excitedly awaited his dad's return from fishing with his buddies. Paulie was in desperate need of an "attaboy." Surely this will do it, Paulie reasoned. This will get Dad's attention. 

But once again, Paulie was disappointed. His dad came home, walked into the house, and the first words out of his mouth were, "Who left the rake out? How many times do I have to tell you?"

Little boys like Paulie often grow up to be adults who struggle with one of two things: perfectionism or apathy. People who grew up in ultra-critical environments with either keep trying and trying to finally "get it right," thus earning the approval of others, or, they will say, Why bother? What's the use?, and withdraw. 

Whether they become people-pleasers or people-avoiders the inner need is the same: those who carry this father wound desperately want to feel loved and valued by others. 

The spiritual struggle for the love-deprived plays out much the same way. Some set out to do all they can to prove themselves worthy to God in an effort to gain His approval. Others simply say, I can't possibly be good enough so why even try?

Psychological studies have shown that children who receive physical affection, warmth, and affirmation from their parents—particularly their fathers—are much more likely to have closer marriages, deeper friendships, better mental health, even greater work success than those who don't. Fathers who bless their kids with love, encouragement, acceptance, and a sense that they are valued, are equipping those children to become well-adjusted adults with strong sense of internal security.

There is little doubt that missing out on a dad's blessing can have a tremendous effect on a child, well into their adult years. But just because a child misses out their father's blessing doesn't mean they have to miss out on the Father's blessing.   

The wonderful truth is, no matter who we are and what our family history, every one of us has a Father who loves us, who encourages us, who values us more than we can begin to comprehend. He is a Father who loves His kids with a love that cannot be earned. He loves us when we get all A's. He loves us when we get D-pluses.

There is no need to spend our lives pleasing or avoiding people as a result of a dad's critical words. When our earthly fathers fail us, our Heavenly Father stands in the gap, arms open wide to give us the blessing we seek.