‘What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words.’ – Proverbs 18:21
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never leave me!”
That’s the truth! Just because people say “it’s” not a big deal doesn’t make it true. We learn to figure out what’s right from the guidance of God’s word, like using a plumbline.
But what’s a plumbline, you ask? A plumbline is a tool used to find the true vertical, like how surveyors use it to set up certain equipment.
So, if we’re imaginative when someone says something hurtful, we can choose not to believe it. The old saying about sticks and stones? Totally false. We’ve all been in situations where we’ve said something mean. Unfortunately, you can’t take it back once you have said it, it’s out there. It’s like a bell that’s been rung.
On the flip side, we’ve all heard hurtful words, which can be tough to forget. We must learn to let those words roll off us like water off a duck’s back. It shouldn’t get into our hearts, or we’ll become bitter. Negative comments aren’t worth dwelling on; they should go in one ear and out the other.
But, let’s be honest, it’s not easy. We need to ask Jesus for help with this.
You see, the words we speak have the power to change lives. It’s so painful when people call us dumb when we’re not. Or when they say we can’t do something because it’s too hard. Think about how confident we feel when our parents or teachers say, “Great job!” and tell us they’re proud of us.
These types of words encourage us to work even harder.
Power Over Your Tongue: Encourage People With Words
Prayer: Lord Jesus, with the help of Your Spirit, please teach me to use words that will build up people and not hurt them. I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Challenge: Let’s choose to encourage people with words. Let’s pay attention to what we say, build up the people around you, do not gossip and encourage others.
