Sticks and Stones

James 1:19-20

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this:  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

(Photo cred:  Jon Phillips on Unsplash)

We’ve all heard the saying sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me. But is this true? When I become angry and react without first processing, my words have the potential to break down rather than build up.

Have you endured words that have been so hurtful to you? Have you spoken angry words that cut to someone’s core in the heat of the moment?

I do think it’s true that actions speak louder than words, but make no mistake, words can be so powerful. We learn this from the following scripture in James (3:9-10):

“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouths come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”

The tongue is a very small part of our body, and yet it carries with it great power. How am I using my words? Do I retaliate? Do I build others up?

God tells us out of the mouth overflows what’s in the heart. I know with certainty that my heart needs to be renewed daily. I struggle with my reactions and the words that follow most days. When my reality does not meet my expectations, there can be some ugliness that spills from my heart. My frustration often lands on the one I love most here on earth, my husband.

If I am honest, I can hear God calling me to submit, not only to Him, but also to my spouse. In times when life spins out of control (usually after I’ve exhausted all measures to maintain control), the Spirit Himself whispers (okay, screams), “just please let go.”  No more words. Guard your heart….and your words. I’ve got this.

(Photo cred: Brett Jordan on Unsplash)

We need to use our tongues for worship, for encouragement, to build one another up. We are called to stop gossiping, stop nagging, and for goodness sake stop using words that cause pain to others.

James 4:7-8

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

Submit so that your words can bring you closer to God but also closer to those around you. May our mouths be a reflection of the One who lives within us.

Sticks and stones

No more broken bones

Words that shout His praises

No more hurtful phrases

Ashley

Psalm 118:24

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”