How do you choose your words?
Words surround us every day, but it’s how we use them shows our character.
As the Scrabble board words say above, using people never works because people are God’s greatest asset.
Yet, how do you define the word – word? The Oxford Languages Dictionary says a word is a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing. But we all know that some words have more power than others. Power to hurt us or others, help ourselves or others, and heal when delivered the right way.
And we learn how to speak by listening to our parents and caregivers. Hopefully, you heard only words of encouragement and love.
Some of you may have heard words that hurt as I did. Words like, you are dumb, ugly, stupid, or you can’t do anything right.
Yes, I heard the harmful words above and many others. I was abused, depressed, bitter, and without God.
but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:8 NIV)
Soon after being introduced to the Holy Spirit, I decided to study what God said about the tongue. Because I had always suffered from aphthous ulcers. Which are small shallow sores inside the mouth. I started to read what God had to say about this small but mighty organ called the tongue because I was seeking a way to end these ulcers. So what was I doing wrong?
Quite a lot, and it took a while before I rid myself of the anger and bitterness holding me back from moving toward peace and joy. I learned many things on my journey toward healing for my body and soul. My mother used to say, “Beauty is skin deep, but ugly goes to the bone.” And I say that is where some of my scars were, deep into my bones.
Listening and doing what is right when we express ourselves.
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. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (James 1:19:-21 NIV)
With God, nothing goes to waste.
God has told me nothing goes to waste, not even my pain. He used it to bring me to Him so I could help others heal from the hurts of living in this world, and I give Him the glory.
Everyone and everything matters to Him. If you are born again, you are His child, and He promises that every part of your life will be used for your good.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)
Have you been stuck?
Some of us get stuck in a pattern of repeating the abuse. I have to admit that I did that for a short season, then the Holy Spirit convicted me, and I turned it around, praise God.
Then there’s another kind of stickiness. It’s that of telling everyone about your past abuse. I did that, too, running off people who could have become good friends if not for me telling my sad stories. That did nothing to help my cause or keep friends.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29 NIV)
You see, I wasn’t building up anybody with the sad stories of my past. It did not put me in a better light or benefit those who listened to those stories.
Perhaps you had some of the same experiences.
Healing for the abused.
The Holy Spirit walked me through healing from my abuse. Now, I am happy and full of joy. I look forward to many more years of serving and giving hope to those who need to hear powerful words of encouragement.
For the Scripture tells us: Whoever wants to embrace true life and find beauty in each day must stop speaking evil, hurtful words and never deceive in what they say. Always turn from what is wrong and cultivate what is good; eagerly pursue peace in every relationship, making it your prize. ( I Peter 3:10 TPT)
Today, I write to help others overcome those painful words of the past. To give hope to those who may believe they are damaged. However, we are not damaged because of the harsh words spoken by our caregivers. Our hearts are hurt, but healing is available, and joy awaits.
