Careless Words Wound

Careless words leave a lasting impression. When I was downcast as a child, my mother would recite the following nursery rhyme – “Nobody likes me, Everybody hates me, I’m gonna eat some worms”. Not an appropriate message to send a child already upset…or anyone really. There was an underlying insinuation present in those words. A message that I was alone with my hurt feelings in an uncaring world. After all these years, that message still hurts. Even though I know I am never alone, for Christ is with me always.

Perhaps my mother had these words said to her by her mother and thoughtlessly passed them on. I would hate to think that they were said with ill intent. I have always been extremely sensitive, perhaps a “thicker-skinned” child would have ignored the message. We all are guilty, however, of having spoken carelessly. Although the memory still hurts, I have forgiven her.

In the Bible, we are instructed to speak with kindness at all times:

Proverbs 16:24 KJV

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Words are powerful. And as such, they should be used to build others up; not tear them down. When we speak in loving terms, we act as representatives of Christ himself:

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

When we speak unkind words (and I include myself), we demean the listener; as well as cast a shadow over the entire Church’s reputation. For we are to act as an example in end-times, not a catalyst for cruelty.

Before opening our mouths, we need to pause and consider prayerfully the message we wish to convey to our listener. Discernment will enable us to realize whether its intent is loving. Let’s stop cruelty in its tracks…Christ would.

-Melanie DiLeo