This was the longest time I've ever spent on a post..you wanna know why?
MEET...
So I apologize for any typos that Lola might have made :p Anyway....
Despite what your parents told you when you were little about how "sticks and stones, may break my bones but words will never hurt me", we all know that this commonly used phrase is not true. We may not like to think that it's true and may be a good motto to live by, but we've all had words thrown at us that cut deep. Words are powerful and lasting. As a Communication Studies major, I learned that communication can never be taken back (you don't really need a degree to know that, but we had a lecture about this once actually!). So you know how people say, "Take it back!"? Even if they "take it back", they really said it and it really can't be taken back. Thankfully, there is forgiveness, but that's for a whole other topic that I'll save for another day.
Main idea - words can hurt. We are called to uplift a person with words, not degrade them. Now, I'll be honest with you I'm talking to myself here. I sometimes forget that my words are powerful enough to uplift or degrade someone. Like I've said, I'm not perfect at all. Proverbs 12:18 (ESV) says, "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." So instead of being rash with my anger, I need to wait and pray that there is a way to reply that will bring healing. If I can't find an uplifting response, then there should be no response at all. Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) says, "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." If we don't want to be spoken to with degrading words, we shouldn't speak degrading words. Before we speak, let's listen, take a deep breath, think, and trust that God will give us words that will uplift others. Just like the popular saying goes, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all."
Oh you might have noticed something different...I have a NEW blog design!
I love it. I hope you do too!
I love it. I hope you do too!
If you are following along with the year long reading plan, today's scripture is Mark chapters 1-3.
You are a world changer!
ReplyDeleteSarah-you are awesome! Thank you. If I ever need affirmation, I need to go to you...you are soooo stinkin sweet! BTW I'm messaging you about visiting like tomorrow or the next day (whatever that day is haha). I'm so sorry it's taken me so long :/ ! It will happen though. I'm determined! Be blessed girlie :)
DeleteTHANK YOU for this post, chelsea. the Holy Spirit must have led me here because you have the right words i needed to hear today. thank you for emphasizing the word "forgiveness." it's so hard to remember that word when i am angry or upset, just like today.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you always! ❤
p.s. your blog design is BEAUTIFUL! ❤ :-)
Awww Irene! Isn't the Holy Spirit just awesome like that?!? I love it whent that happens. Forgiveness is HUGE...I'm going to talk about it more :) Thanks for all your kind words-I really appreciate it! Have a wonderful day! Be blessed :)
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