Thursday, January 24, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

Sticks and Stones

 

Proverbs 12:18 states "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

 

I recently had dinner with a group of high school classmates to plan our 40th Class Reunion. Many of us took advantage of this gathering to catch up on "old times"! There was much laughter as one memory led to another!

 

When we finally got down to business, we divided the list of graduates to make the task of contacting each one a little less daunting. As we were reviewing the names on our list, we came across several individuals who have never responded to previous invitations.

  

Why have these individuals stayed away? I began to reflect on this question as I reviewed my list. Could it possibly be because of past hurts? While thinking about these individuals, the phrase " Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" came to mind. Are the words of this childhood nursery rhyme truthful? Will spoken words NEVER hurt us????

 

Our Bible takes a different approach when offering advice about our words. Today's verse reveals that our words are SO powerful that they are able to either destroy or bring forth life.

 

Were some members of my high school class so hurt from the cruel words spoken in their childhood that they are still holding on to them? Are you possibly being held back from everything God has for you because of the cruel words spoken to you? According to research it takes 10 positive words to counteract 1 negative word! Thankfully, as believers, we can be healed through the POWER of God's COUNTLESS encouraging words for our lives, and it is the opinion of God that matters the most!

 

I challenge you this morning to evaluate the words that we speak into the lives of those around us. Ephesians 4:29 provides great advice: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Our words should be like a soothing balm and not hurtful STICKS and STONES.

 

Dear Lord, Help me to speak words that encourage others, that bring forth healing, that reflect Your love. Forgive me for speaking words in the past that may have been hurtful to others, and help me to find life and healing in the words YOU speak over me.

 

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen