I know you have had moments when you said something and immediately wanted to take it back. There are things that are said at times which are like a bad tattoo. Once it’s there, it’s not going away. There can be forgiveness and remorse but still, the words have been said.
The writer of Proverbs reminds us that we have the power of life or destruction with our words. He writes in Proverbs 12:18, “The words of the wise bring healing.” As people who follow the risen Savior, we, like him, want to bring healing to those we interact with every day.
A couple of ideas that we need to consider in order to bring healing. Stay away from gossip. Don’t speak it or listen to it. We tend to justify it when the person being talked about is not around but saying, “It’s nothing I would not say to them if they were here.” God hates sin. Paul, in Romans 1, lists some things that God does not like. Things like stealing, adultery, murder…and gossip. Yep, it’s lumped in with the other “biggies”.
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:29, “…Let everything you say be good and helpful.” That should be our goal as followers of Jesus.
Monitor your criticism as well. Paul says in Philippians 2:14ff, “Do everything without complaining and arguing…” We all know people in our family or friend group who just constantly complain and criticize. We tend to steer clear of them when possible. We have the ability with us to bring life and light to the world around us so be that light and extend life-giving words to those you see every day.
We have been given a spirit of “power, and love, and boldness” (2 Timothy) so be bold and be different this week for Jesus. Share your life and light with those around. Be the person in the room people WANT to gravitate toward. Be kind and compassionate just like our Lord. Share the love Christ has extended to you this week. Blessings on your journey.