Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Sticks and Stones - Words Do Hurt

I can hear the chant of a child as he tries to be so convincing to someone who had just spoken hurtful remarks about him, "sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me."  All the while, inside his heart, the pain from those words, still so fresh in his mind, hurts far more than if his offender had thrown bricks.

The fact is that words can hurt for longer and much worse than sticks and stones ever could.  The broken bones heal, but words can ruin a peron's life and the lives of others.

The power of our words is enormous, and they also show the condition of our heart.


My mother always said, "if you dont have anything to say, dont say anything at all"


You would think being a grandmother myself, I would know this and apply it every day. But sometimes I fail and I have to be reminded. So, I did some reading and made some notes to remind me.


OUR WORDS ARE POWERFUL

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21) Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles. (Proverbs 21:23) 

Ephesians 4:15, 25, 29 15) but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ. 25) Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 29) Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification,  that it may impart grace to the hearers.

OUR WORDS ARE A MIRROR OF OUR HEARTS

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.(Luke 6:45)

OUR WORDS CAN HEAL

Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body.  (Proverbs 16:24)

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

If you have been hurt by words, I pray for you today.  I pray for healing of your mind, for your broken spirit, and for the pain that is in your heart. I pray for peace and a renewed confidence. Though you are weary and exhausted, I ask for strength and courage.  Most of all, I pray that God upon high will bring restoration to the relationship that has been severed by thoughtless, spiteful words.  May the peace that passes all understanding, be with you today and always.



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