Before you criticize someone you should walk a mile in their shoes. - Then they won't have their shoes on, and you will be a mile away.
When I was a child we used this old saying: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never … ” actually, they can cause even greater damage! The human body has an amazing ability to repair physical damage. Breaks and bruises will heal. On the other hand, the mind has an amazing ability to hold on to a hurt for an incredibly long time and to continue to be damaged by it all that time.
We don't live like we realize the power that words have. We speak, and we forget what we said and we go on. It really didn't mean much when we said it, but what damage have we left behind? Jesus warned that we will be held accountable for every casual word we speak. Isn't that a scary thought?
When we think about the power of words we determine that we will be more careful not to speak so harshly to others. Now let's turn the thinking around. How much have we been hurt by what others have said? How much of our lives are spent trying to live down or prove false or fulfill the prophecy of something someone once said to or about us? I was once told I was unfit to become a pastor. A very special friend told me to consider the source and take it as a compliment. That helped me realize I would never want to be such a pastor as he was.
Words can hurt us. Our words can hurt others. Words can also heal. “The right word at the right time is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” The metaphor from Hebrew thought loses something when we read it now, but it still gets the point across about the value of words. Sometimes the right word of encouragement or blessing or thanksgiving can be a real boost to someone's day. Why don't we try it with a family member, or a friend, or even a total stranger. I wonder what will happen.
Think about it.
Come back soon.
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