Well, it seems the world has lost its collective mind! Again. Countless hordes are fighting one another with sharp and hurtful words lashing out furiously from keyboards, both large and small. The rhetoric of our world is for lack of a better word, violence upon the souls of the redeemed. Fiery hate-filled words, no matter how they are communicated, be it in person or online, can be deeply hurtful to others. However, the same abrasive comments, if given in person, might get you a smack in the mouth. Just saying. I think that is why so many today are hiding behind the walls of social media as they vomit their venom into the world.
The writer of Proverbs says, “A fool’s lips bring strife, and his mouth invites beatings. A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are the snare of his soul.” (Proverbs 18:6–7) Not only can the words we speak affect us positively or, as we see from Proverbs, negatively. In the same manner, the words of others can hurt us deeply or build us up. They are not done by us, but to us, or done in our presence that can defile our souls. The problem is we often try to ignore what others say and often just try to forget the wounds that have become infective and festering cuts. Well the old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but your words with never hurt me.” It is simply not true. Words can wreck a life, marriage, child, friendship, or church.
What do we do when we have been hurt by the words of others? Come to the Cross of Christ and confess your hurt again and again. Express your grief and hurt to Jesus, your loving and gracious Savior, and let the joy of His presence heal your broken heart and soul. The vile and heavy words of the kingdom of darkens can hurt and burden us, but Jesus can free, heal, and cleanse the weary soul of the faithful sojourner. John writes, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) When we are dirty and defiled by the words of others, Jesus cleanses us from that unrighteousness done to us that has affected our hearts, soul, and mind. Come to Jesus and be made whole again!