Saturday, April 13, 2013

Verbal Bullets


“For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34)

We all know from experience that words can hurt, or words can help. We’ve probably all said some things that we wish we could take back, and I am sure there are times we can all remember when others have wounded us through their hurtful words.

~Their words~

During our lifetime we meet all sorts of people, and most of us care about what others think of us and don’t like to be judged or criticized. But people in our lives can hurt us with their words accidentally or intentionally, and either way their words can leave scars that take time to heal. Words of dishonor, sarcasm, judgment, and criticism (to name a few!) root deeply in our hearts. I am sure that many of us have recited to ourselves the childhood rhyme “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” to remind us that people’s words can’t hurt us. But even for those of us who believe we have a pretty tough exterior, we aren’t immune to negative language and words that offend or wound us, because even though hostile words may not cause us permanent damage they can and will sting and linger.
~Our words~

On the other hand, I am sure there have been plenty of times in our lives when we wish we had been more careful when speaking! The words we speak can either discourage or inspire; they can either destroy or build; and one thing I know for sure is that when they are spoken they can’t be changed or taken back. Words are powerful things and they certainly have the potential for great good or great harm. Our words are much more powerful than we realize, and when we open our mouth to say something, the words we speak have the power to break people and leave lifelong scars. Our poorly chosen words break one’s spirit and cause deep emotion wounds. There is a lot of power in the spoken word and clearly, it really doesn’t take long to realize that words have far more weight than we realize. Once we have released them from our lips they travel like the speed of light and nothing can be done to reverse the effect to those that hear them.

We know that words spoken to us have the capacity and power to affect the way we feel about ourselves, and we must realize that our words have the same impact on those around us.

“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.” (Ephesians 4:29)

~God’s words~

“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)

Our words go before us to announce the person that we are, and Jesus reminds us that what we say reveals what is in our heart. Our words must be a ministry to those who hear them, and as Christians whose hearts have been changed by His power we should be prepared to speak words full of blessing and a reason for hope to everyone. We should always allow our words to be uplifting and spirit-filled, because we have been blessed and are expected to use words that heal and inspire. When we use our tongues wisely to bless, heal, and give thanks to others, our words demonstrate the power of our faith and they are used as an instrument of His love and saving grace.

Linking up with these inspiring blogs this week:

37 comments:

  1. Yes. Good word and good way to start my day - reminded. Lord help me be wise with my words.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is a great post Denise. Your words speak so much truth and really resonate within me today! Just want to tell you...glad you're my friend.

    Blessings to you today. Have a great weekend!
    Chelle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw; you made my day Chelle! You have no idea how much your friendship has blessed me!! Praying for you and hoping you find some healing this weekend. :)

      Delete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Our words have a that ripple effect doesn't it. They go much farther and last longer than our physical presence. Thank you for always sharing words of encouragement and edification Denise. Wishing you a refreshing weekend my friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They do linger Wanda; there are certainly times in my life I would have loved to take them back! I hope you are enjoying a joyful and blessed weekend too friend!

      Delete
  5. Hi Denise,

    When I read your post title I thought about how some words can actually be as damaging as exploading bullets...they not only hurt going into the target, but do the most damage as they stay inside the target...It is hard to shield ourselves from words, I think that is why we sing that little song as children to try to put up a wall of protection. Unfortunately though sometimes that wall shields us from all the good words and relationships too!

    my words have hurt people too often in my lifetime, but that can't be undone now, so I will strive to chose words that help as much as possible now :)
    ~God bless ((hugs))~ Lisa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love what you said Lisa; so true that we can build a wall around us and stay in hiding to protect us from hurt. Thankful that over the years I have gained thicker skin-ha! Blessings and ((hugs)) to you sweet friend!

      Delete
  6. "Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips." My prayer. I want my words to encourage always. Such a great post -- and a convicting one, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love your prayer Pamela; you are always such a sweet encouragement and inspiration to all!

      Delete
  7. Thank you for hhis beautiful, learning words. I'm pleased with it again. Love what Never Forsaken is saying in her comment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jedidja; praying you have a blessed and carefree week this week...you deserve it! :)

      Delete
  8. Often times the words of my mother ring in my ears. " You are ugly" " your hair is awful" It is not pretty(I have naturally curly hair) Yes words are powerful. The tongue is an uncontrolled. Sharper than any two edged sword. I constantly even at 42 years old, that though my mom never found beauty in me. Never found joy in me, my heavenly Father does.

    "Let the Words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, My strength and my redeemer"

    Angie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sad that you had to endure these very hurtful words from your mother, and that they have caused you pain all these years Angie! I am sure you are as beautiful on the outside as your loving heart is on the inside! Blessings; thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  9. Dear Denise
    I think sometimes we need to talk a lot less and truly listen to what another person say. That is really an act of love. After all, the saying goes that we two ears and only one mouth!
    Blessings to you, dear sister
    Mia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love that saying Mia! Yes; a lot less talking and a whole lot more listening!! :)

      Delete
  10. Powerful Denise. Blessings to you dear one. Thank you for sharing. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blessings and lots of hugs to you too dear Grace! :)

      Delete
  11. Si true, Denise -- the power of the tongue to lift up or to destroy is something we should always remember. Thanks for the great post, and for using your words to encourage all of us.
    God bless,
    Laurie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Laurie; hope you are enjoying a wonderful week!

      Delete
  12. Excellent post! I spent all of last week reading and listening to the book of James, with special focus on what he wrote about taming the tongue.. Something I have promised myself I would keep in mind.. Personally, I know I can never have too many reminders!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neither can I Ren; almost daily-ha! Sweet blessings to you sister!

      Delete
  13. This is good stuff, Denise! I often pray that God will create in me a clean/pure heart. And that my words will flow from a heart that is filled with His love. He has so much work to do in me?:) I'm always so encouraged by your posts and your visits!
    Blessings and love, my sweet sister ~ Mary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am a work in progress too Mary; so thankful my Father is so patient with me! :) Blessings; and thanks for your (as always!) uplifting words!

      Delete
  14. Hi Denise,
    Excellent reminder to give thought as to what we say. I know I have said things which hurt others. Sometimes it was unintentional, but sad to say other times I spoke things intentionally. It is so important to guard our tongue. Sometimes I think it is best to just walk away and give some thought as to what you say so in the heat of the moment so you don't say something which damages someone else. If one takes a moment to cool down and talk to God before speaking, we can handle the situation much more wisely.
    Blessings,
    Ken

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good thoughts Ken; I have been intentional with hurtful words before too and always wish I could take them back. Yes; if only we would stop and think before we speak, and rather be a blessing! :) Blessings friend!

      Delete
  15. Hi Denise, I love love love this post. i love how you broke it up into their words, our words, and God's word. So so good. Great reminder for me today to consider all of the above.
    God bless my friend
    Tracy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks sweetest of friends! God's blessings to you too!

      Delete
  16. My verses last month for the Beth Moore memory verse challenge had to do with words - "Wise words satisfy like a good meal... Life and death are in the power of the tongue..." Prov 18:20-21

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love this Esther! A great verse to remember and carry with us. :)

      Delete
  17. Amen Denise!! Couldn't have said it better! Our words are so powerful and unfortunately we can't take them back. We must ever be careful of how we use them! One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 4:29. It is something we must practice everyday, because it's so easy for us all to get in the flesh and say the wrong thing. Thanks so much for sharing Denise and thanks for stopping by and linking up...may you have a blessed week! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Mitchell; my pleasure always to link up! Blessings to you sweet lady!

      Delete
  18. Denise,
    This is a beautiful post! YES!!! Our words can kill or heal. Let us remember to pray before speaking. Sometimes, it is hard, but it is what we should do. I ask the Lord to guide my heart and my tongue and allow me to be His vessel. So, that may mean that I have to restrain and rethink my thoughts and words! If He has to make me over, again, then so be it! I desire to be His. thank you, Denise. Blessings~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree Cynthia; prayer is our direct link to God's wisdom and grace on us! I can always use a "make-over"-ha!

      Delete
  19. Beautiful post filled with beautiful words.
    Your illustrations are lovely.
    Blessings,
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete