Written by: Saved By Faith
“Did you hear? ...”
“You didn’t hear it from me but…”
“Someone told me that….”
We’ve all been there before, either saying it or listening to it. Gossiping, exchanging stories, talking about someone, whatever you want to call it. But what exactly did you get from it? Do you still see that person the same way, without judging them? Can that information be used to lift them up? Or did it damage their reputation? Hurt them? Or maybe hurt you?
… Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me…
We’ve all been here before too but how true is this statement? Let’s break this down:
Sticks and stones may break my bones… very true. That pain fades and the wounds eventually heal.
… but names will never hurt me… not true. Name calling or negative comments affect someone much longer than a cut, scrape or bruise. All it takes is for someone to say something negative, a sarcastic remark, discouraging word for us to be knocked down. It only takes one word to put a hole in your heart. For example, Karen Carpenter (from the popular 1970s duo, the Carpenters) died from anorexia at 32. Her obsession with her weight started after an article called her “Richard’s chubby sister.” 1 word had impacted her life and brought her to an early death.
What a lot of people don’t realize is that speaking badly to/about someone and gossiping, are sins. The bible clearly states that one of the steps we must take in order to stay rooted in His word is watching what or how we speak.
Proverbs 10:19
“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”
Proverbs 15:4
“Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
Our mouth is a weapon to be used with God’s intention – to uplift one another! To speak the Word, give Him praise, and share our testimonies with others. He did not intend for us to use our words to hurt one another, rather as a sword to cut at the enemy’s attacks. In this time of battle we must choose our words wisely. As Christians it is our responsibility to uplift our brothers and sisters, sharing in the joys that our beloved Father has given us. Rejoice in the Lord! Speak of His goodness! Help bring others to Him, leaving all insecurities, negativity, and problems at His feet.
Proverbs: 16:24
"Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones".
Please read: Psalm 34:13, Psalm 39:1, Proverb 13:3, Proverb 15:4, Proverb17:20, Proverb21:23, 2 Timothy 2:16
