Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me!
Do you remember that little saying from when you were a child? I remember saying it several times but you know it’s simply not true. The ugly words that people say stay with you for a very long time. Much longer than a few bruised knuckles and a black eye.
I once woke from a dream where I was quite angry with the person and instead of unloading on them with my mouth, I held my tongue and was able to walk away without saying anything hurtful. I was able to hold my tongue.
Maybe there will be a situation in my life today that I will need to walk that out. Maybe not until tomorrow but surely the experience of my dream will be relived in real life and I pray that I handle it as well.
As Christians we are called to be salt and light to this world. We need to speak out for godliness, we even need to correct misdirected situations but not at the cost of belittling or humiliating the people we are speaking too.
Remember “speak the truth in love”. So if you face difficult people and difficult situations remember this admonition from James.
“My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry. 20 If you are angry, you cannot do any of the good things that God wants done.” James 1:19-20 CEV
“My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn’t right…Are any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do. 14 But if your heart is full of bitter jealousy and selfishness, don’t brag or lie to cover up the truth. 15 That kind of wisdom doesn’t come from above. It is earthly and selfish and comes from the devil himself. 16 Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. 17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18 When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:9-10, 13-18 CEV
Good words to live by. Have a wonderful day of peace!