I have had this post sitting as a “draft” for almost a month. End of last year I was hurt deeply by someone’s words, they cut me like a knife. Then early this year I hurt someone with my words, I did not do it with malice, but still I hurt another. I wrote this post below and then God led me to the new book titled Listen by Rene Gutteridge (see my review and interview here–also there is a giveaway if you are a Facebook Fan here).

The Lord has been driving home the fact words are powerful.  As someone who has the propensity to eat their words, often this has been a struggle.  I felt everyone is entitled to my opinion, ha!  Unfortunately everyone is entitled to God’s opinion and that is it.  I am a work in progress and I know my words will fail me in the future, but I am trying to think more about what I say and not only in public but in private.  I strongly recommend the book Listen by Rene Gutteridge because it will have you taking stock in what you say when you think no one is listening.

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Words.

Words are powerful.

They can cut down.

“Your to sensitive”

“Others do a better job.”

“You are not enough.”

They can heal.

“I am sorry.”

“Please forgive me.”

“I love you, just the way you are.”

There is nothing more powerful at our disposal than the words that come out of our mouth or even the words you tell yourself. For the past month I have done a lot of thinking about the power of words. I have been one who has cut someone down by my words. I have hurt, I have injured another. I have also been healed by words after my heart has been broken.

Today in the age of advanced technology words have become even more powerful. We can say something quicker, we can communicate more, and many times we have a wider audience to say things to.

Words elicit emotion.

When you are told you are not enough, when in fact you have worked your best.  Word cut deep.

I have been accused of reacting with to much emotion (being to sensitive) when I have been hurt by words. I thought something was wrong with me; I did not react as I should (or as a normal person would). I should just ‘suck it up.’

These were words that were communicated.

Have you ever said, “How can I complain about my “little” hurts—pain inflicted by words— when I can list off others who have it so much worse.” My pain does not measure up to those hurts.

Dr. John Townsend in his book, Where Is God? said, “Your situation is yours, and your pain is yours. No one should judge your level of pain….”

God was slowly showing me that by burying my hurt—not allowing my emotions to flow freely—I was actually not allowing God to heal me.  There is true pain in words that are spoken, it can alter your day or possibly your future.

As wise pastor once told me, “….don’t try to be spiritual right now…be honest! Allow God to hear every feeling that is going through your heart. He’s big enough to take it and then to wrap you in His love when you’re through.”

Words bring comfort to someone hurting.

Words can offer perspective to someone who is lost.

Words can save.