Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.
I grew up believing that lie. Now as an adult, I still suffer the consequences of that deception.
Words can break the spirit. Words can wound. Words can kill.
Words can build up. Words can heal. Words can give life.
Pro 18:21 |
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. |
It is very important that we learn to think about and listen to what we are saying.
Gracie and I are in a tremendous battle to gain healing from a fight we had yesterday. Words were part of the cause for the pain we both experienced.
So, this morning, on the way to church, I had a good example of how important it is for me to guard my speech and to choose the right words.
I went out to the car ahead of her, and decided to let her drive. So, I got in on the passenger side. The car was running when she came down the stairs. Since she was in heels, she was carefully watching where she was going, walking with that beautiful grace she has. She was coming to the passenger side when I called out, “Wrong side.”
Then I got to thinking about that, and broached the subject with her as we were driving along. I asked if she had felt ‘corrected’ by my statement of “wrong side.” She said no. But, can you agree with me that “Other side” might have been more appropriate? “Wrong” is a negative, corrective term. And even though I had no intention of correcting anything, it could have been perceived that way. Fortunately for us, since we are both very tender right now, she did not receive it that way.
Is this being too picky? Do I have to be concerned about every single little word and nuance before I speak?
For me, the answer is YES.
Jesus said, “The words that I speak are spirit and life.” (John 6:63)
Luk 6:40 |
“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” |
It is my desire to be like the master to whom I am discipled.
Practical Bible Teaching 
This was a very good Essay, Dale. With a very simple, and yet practical, example. And I think it is good that you are aware–or have become much more aware of the power of words, both for good and for ill. As always, Christ is our example. And I have always admired Him for using words so precisely and effectively.
Broken bones mend in time, but a harsh word poisons the spirit continuously.
I do hope that both you and Gracie have recovered faithfully.
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Thanks for your transparency, Dale. My husband and I are continually in this learning process. Just tonight as a matter of fact. Good thing God is not impatient, ’cause … it might be awhile! sigh. We are definitely still learning. So many mistakes on the road of being in His image. “Though the righteous man fall seven times, he shall not be hurled headlong, for the Lord is the one that holds his hand.”
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Thanks, Nor. Yes, both Gracie and I are experiencing the fulness of the joy of the Lord. It was only because of her tenacity that we were able to have the breakthrough we did. (I’m not discounting grace and the Spirit of God.)
Annie, I appreciate your comment Good thing God is not impatient, ’cause … it might be awhile! That is definitely true for me when one considers how long I’ve been at this thing.
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Great one!
Too often I find people that think they are a Christian because they believe in God and Jesus and prayed a prayer and invited Jesus in their heart. They don’t do any “bad” stuff anymore, so they are on the narrow road. They certainly would not consider a little statement to be wrong or not.
When you start realizing things like that and have it based on scripture, you are truly submitting your life to The Lord. That’s probably where a big difference is for people: committing their life to Christ and submitting their life to Christ.
Dan
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I forgot to add my personal side of the post:
I needed to hear it, to be challenged in this area. For things I say, of course. I need to be more mindful of that and ready to receive correction from my spouse when I do not speak with Love. But, I also now have a resource for helping my spouse see a new light on what we often deal with and for me seeing a new light as well. I am very sensitive and little things she says hurts me. “wrong side” would hurt me. This post can help her see why. However, it also helps me see that I need to not be hurt by it.
Dan
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