Growing up my mom would often say, "watch your mouth" to my brothers and I. That meant we were being "sassy" or disrespectful and we needed to think about our word. Isn't that what God is trying to tell us in Scripture? He tells us how powerful our words are and we should choose our words wisely.
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words may never hurt me!" I do not agree with that but I can remember hearing kids on the playground saying that back to someone who had called them a name. In fact a broken bone can heal a lot quicker than hurtful words! People are hurt from words that are untrue and words that are mean. And it doesn't just hurt the victim but it hurts their families and friends.
While I have dealt with these situations I know I have also hurt people with my words. I do know that I have to forgive those people who hurt others just as I have been forgiven. Matthew 6: 14-15, " For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
While I have to ask God to bless these persons who are hurting others, it is not easy! I pray for healing for the victims. I know I have to forgive these persons because God has forgiven me. And this is how we can begin to heal from the hurt. We need to remember we are the sons and daughters of the most high God! Romans 8: 14, "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God." Remember "Our Royal Family" blog on May 19 we are royalty of the Most High! Straighten our crown and move on!
I am reminded how important it is for me to watch my words. Scripture has shown us how damaging the tongue can be. Proverbs 12: 18, "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 15: 1, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Psalm 34: 13, "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies." James 3: 5, "Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." Psalm 52: 2, "You who practice deceit, your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor."
Proverbs 18: 21, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." We will reap the fruit of our words! The Bible is telling us that words can build up or kill a relationship. The tongue can destroy by ruining friendships, families and marriages, Growing up many people suffered from verbal abuse and they are still hurting many years later.
Scripture has also shown us how we can keep out of trouble. Proverbs 21: 23, "Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity." Ephesians 4: 29, "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."
Relationships can also be built up by words. Proverbs 16: 24, "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." For my 30th wedding anniversary my husband gave me a ring. When he gave it to me he told me he was more excited to give me that ring that my original engagement ring. He said that he would marry me all over again. That built up our relationship and while I love my ring the words meant so much! Words are powerful! I have letters I have saved from my husband and my girls that are more special than any gift they could have purchased! They are a treasured gift because of the sweet words.
1 Thessalonians 5: 11, "Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." Hebrews 10: 24, "...and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds." Colossians 4: 6, "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
Can you imagine how much better our lives would be if we each started our day with the following two verses? Psalm 141: 3, "Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips." Psalm 19: 14, " May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
"Today will never come again. Be a blessing. Be a friend. Encourage someone. Take time to care. Let your words heal and not wound." unknown
Mom used to wash out our mouths with soap if we cursed. I start my day often with Psalm 19:14 before I even get out of bed and that being our UMW verse makes it all the better.