Words can Hurt
Matthew 12:37 by your words you will be justified and acquitted and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.
Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Ecclesiastes 12:11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well driven nails, given by one Shepherd. (I looked up ‘goads’ since it was an unknown word to me. Goads were sticks the shepherds used to steer and guide the cattle/sheep/oxen they were caring for to keep them on the correct paths.)
Our words can build up or tear down and apart. Often times we may spew something out in a moment of anger, and not realize the damage those moments of gushing words may have caused. We can cause insecurity in others, hurt feelings, insult, defeat a person just as they are trying something new, and/or convince another they have no talent, cause them reason to believe the devil’s lies ‘they’ll always be worth nothing’… and so on. You get the message. A moment’s negative utterance can have lasting and damaging effects for years.
And of course, family members may voice frustration, anger, stress out in a negative moment, and not realize just how much of an impact those words speared into another’s soul. And yes, all included—siblings, parents, grandparents all can impact another’s view of themselves. There are always differences in family members and one may get on another’s nerves and frustration causes nasty thoughts to utter out.
But those same people can give more positive feedback and thereby increase the security, self-esteem, positive outlook and confidence. We all encounter frustrations and say things we should hold back when stressed. I hate it when I hear anything negative coming from my mouth now.
And believe me, I spewed things in fear, anger, frustration, hopelessness and all. I hate that it happened, and hope I have apologized for those times. But does the apology totally remove the awful feelings I may have caused? No, absolutely NOT. Words hurt. It is a total lie “Stick and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That’s a complete and utter lie.
But I hope my words and prayers to God asking Him to show me who I harmed, so I can apologize for hateful, hurtful things that I said. I want the opportunity to tell whomever I love them, have good wishes for them, and never meant to cause hurt and damage. If I have missed anyone, I ask God to show me who they are so I can make an apology and explanation for my unkind and hurtful words. I pray God will heal any damage my negative words and behavior caused. And if something is still unresolved that He will encourage them to come to me to hear an explanation as to what was happening in my life to cause this awful behavior. My words of confession are just as important to and for them as they are that I acknowledge to God. And more importantly, God can heal them. I can only apologize and perhaps give an explanation—which does not heal the damage.
For years, I have been praying for God to teach me to tether my impatience so it will grow into the fruit of the Holy Spirit as patience. The fruit develops as one has more and more of an understanding of God, seeks His desires, and yearns to live more like Jesus.
I pray not to become overwhelmed, stressed or fearful as during those times, I have less control over my mouth. I pray my words don’t ebb out into gossip, into judgment, and nothing passes in anger. Thinking before answering another is so important to me now. Never again do I want my words to injure another.
Always I have had a gift for encouragement and praise. Knowing that, I try to always use positive words or acknowledgments to someone so they receive a slight uplifting message. I know how much of a boost a quick positive word can give another.
I pray my words will continue to always be positive to others, to Him and that I can always lift others to Him. Give me words You want me to speak to help others see You, and not a person who says negative thoughts, words, or gossip. Let my words always be for Your glory.
You know I like using words in ‘mybellaviews.’
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