Words Hurt

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

~Ephesians 4:29

I was listening to a woman speak to her young child one day and wondered how she could say the things she did to him. I know people say things to one another that are not meant seriously, but do we really pay attention to the words of our mouth? We say evil things to the ones we love, we call them names when we’re angry, and even in jest, we use crude terms when speaking to others. But once the words are out there, they can’t be unheard or taken back. I remember when I was young, my father called me “Chubs.” I was a chubby child but the teasing I endured for it affected me my entire life. Words hurt.

“The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12:35-37).”

When we speak to others, we must remember that every word is being recorded in Heaven and we will answer for them. The Bible tells us to make sure our speech is seasoned and full of grace (Colossians 4:6), and to speak in love (Ephesians 4:15), and that harsh words stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1). Everything we see and hear on TV, in social media, and other places are full of foul words, cursing, anger, and crude jokes. When we hear these things, they do invade our subconscious, and eventually, we begin to use the same words. We have to guard our hearts and our ears in order to keep our minds on Christ and our mouths full of lovely words.

“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.  For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil (1 Peter 3:9-12).”

Read 1 Timothy

©2018 Marie McGaha