Well, I believe that is lost on my generation. We thrive off tearing each other down, believing it will somehow build ourselves up. We hide behind emails, texts, comments, and posts all online, removing the intimacy of the words so we avoid the guilt. Anything can be said through a screen, with a lot less repercussions.
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."
This makes me laugh every single time. In my life, I've found words have hurt more than any physical attack I have ever experienced. To say this phrase and truly mean it is to have the toughest skin of anyone I know, and probably in this entire world. Words will always affect us to our core.
So how do we deal with them when someone we know, especially one we care about, says something hurtful?
The scariest thing about hurtful words is that once they're out there, they can't be taken back.
I had lunch with Bob Goff (author of Love Does) recently. Amongst all the amazing words of wisdom he expressed, he said one thing that will always stick with me: "I don't use negative words, or words of correction. I can't afford it."
I thought he meant figuratively, but turns out he meant literally. For every negative word, he gives away $500. So, he chooses his words wisely.
At first, I thought to myself, "Wow, I would never say words of destruction if I had to pay every time!"
But the sad truth is, we do pay every time. We lose friendships, relationships, connections, and a piece of ourselves whenever we tear someone else down. This world of gossip and rumors has taught us that words don't mean anything, but lately I've seen them ruin relationships not only personally, but for other people in my life as well.
And how sad is it that we would stop saying hurtful words if the repercussions were financial, yet we aren't concerned with the effect they have on relationships and other people?
Proverbs 18:21 says that "death and life are in the power of the tongue". We have the power to choose daily whether to spread death, or encourage life.
With the Word of His mouth, God spoke this world into existence. And, in Revelation, it is revealed that with the Word, God will usher in the new heavens and new earth. It is incredible that God uses not brute force, but the power of speech to accomplish His will.
The power of words that we have here on earth is only a glimpse and reflection of the power of God's Word. It is a sharp, double-edged sword with the authority to speak life or destroy.
I know it is easy to get sucked into gossip and slander. I am not perfect. I've found myself joining in at times. But, my perspective has changed these last couple months and I want to stop.
So how do we speak life, and cease to tear each other down? I pray that every time I am about to say something destructive, or am involved in a negative conversation, that God convicts me right then and there and helps me swallow my pride. I pray that I have the strength to not say such words, stop saying them in the moment, and apologize to the ones I've slandered.
We are sisters and brothers in Christ, and there is no need to tear someone else down. Let's start speaking life, and building one another up. Let's start filling the void, not making it bigger. Let's start living a rich and full life, beginning with our words.
I will do my best to speak positive words from now on, and watch what I say. I will avoid words of negativity.
I can't afford it.
DTI
