"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."
I think that may be one of the biggest false statements ever made. Words are incredibly powerful. In the education field, this proves to be quite true. I have watched students' faces, bodies, and attitudes perk up and fall down by simple words. I have watched teachers become empowered and defeated by simple words. I have watched lives be changed and decisions made simply by simple words. Words are just that. They're simple, but they also contain a tremendous power. I don't remember exactly what day, or where I was, but I remember reading this verse and going WOW. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3) I stared at my Bible, and then I held it a little closer. The precious Word of God I was holding contained what God framed the world with. I'm always amazed at how the Word of God has been preserved over time. God chose words to speak this world into existence. He gave us His words to teach us about Him. Clearly His words are more powerful than ours (that goes without saying, right?), but we can see the power in them. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (James 3:5) A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. (Proverbs 15:1) The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. (Proverbs 15: 14) Have you ever had a bad day? Have you ever had a bad day, and you exploded on someone who didn't deserve it? We may apologize later, but I think we negate the lasting impact of our words. I think of times someone has taken their day out on me, and I always walk way thinking it was just unnecessary, and then like the sob I am, my feelings get hurt. I hate having my feelings hurt. Maybe that's why I'm in Elementary education? Today I was given two phrases of wisdom about students believing they're smart when their teacher thinks they're smart and how people who need love the most ask for it in the most difficult ways. In times of difficulty (and in not difficult times) I turn to God's Word, and He often gives me comfort. What would it be like if I went to Him, and He gave me words of discouragement? A harsh answer? Rejection? (Pause. This life is not all peanut butter and chocolate candy with a side of gravy and biscuit. Sometimes life is hard. God never said it would be perfect. He never said He wouldn't chastise us, He actually said if He does, He loves us. But I hope you understand my point. Unpause.) I'm certain there are more times than not that I am difficult to love, but He loves me anyway. The reason I make it through most days is because of the hope God has given me in Him! It's so easy to tell someone exactly what is on our mind or heart in the heat of the moment, but I think we need to be cautious. If I never build my students up, of course they'll never succeed. They would likely have no hope that they can. If I respond in a hateful way to someone who is difficult to love, but they need love, they may never love, because it is likely they never see love. Dear Christian, people are looking at our responses. Ouch. I'm currently running through my day, and I didn't get an A+ for handling situations with grace, love, meekness, wisdom, joy, patience, or even faith. Lord, help me to remember the beautiful gift of words You have given us. Please help me remember to use them wisely. God help me to honor You with each word spoken. I pray that people not only see You in me but hear You in me. God help me to speak Your love. Help me to edify and build others up, even when my flesh wants to tear them down. God help me to be careful with my tone. Help me to be thoughtful with my nonverbal reactions too. God, help me to seek You and Your wisdom before responding. God, I am always so guilty of giving quick and thoughtless responses. Please help me to be aware. Thank You, God, for Your precious Word. Thank You, God for the encouragement You provide us through it. Thank You God for preserving it. Thank You God for caring enough to share it with us. Thank You God for the freedom we have to read and share it. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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