Holland It’s a spiritual revelation to comprehend that words have tremendous power but where there is privilege there is also accountability. Communication not only shapes our views while influencing our behavior, but words also expose who we really are as we can learn a great deal about a person’s views when we hear them speak. This is a wonderful prayer to begin each day, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” Psalm 141:3.
Yes, we have much to pray about, and this petition is crucial if we are to live a holy life of integrity, respect, and love. Encouraging words are worth much, and cost little, and since what we say is what we think, it would be wise to monitor our thoughts and what we believe. Words can accomplish God’s intentions and carry us to encouraging places, but, unfortunately, they can also lead us into some dark situations.
As children, many of us quoted this little rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will never hurt us” which was a courageous stand as we were being threatened or insulted. Still, we realized after we grew up that in most cases, the words were more emotionally painful than if we had been physically assaulted. There’s a good chance you remember when someone said something that caused you to feel rejection and pierced your soul.
Maybe derogatory words from a parent, teacher, coach, family member, neighborhood kids, or a bully from school, and unfortunately these painful wounds .
