Remember the childhood saying, ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me’? Contrary to this phrase, we know that words have a profound impact, often causing deeper and longer-lasting hurt than physical pain.
This truth is the reason why we need to use our words wisely when speaking to our loved ones, friends, and fellow believers. But it is especially important when we are engaging with non-believers. Paul talks about this in his letter to the Colossians’ church when he said,
“Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders [unbelievers]. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.” Colossians 4:5-6 MSG (emphasis mine)
Paul urges gracious speech, aiming to encourage and bring out the best in others—a stark contrast to our human instincts. When faced with unkindness or attacks on our beliefs, our natural response is defensiveness. I confess, I’ve been guilty of this too! Yet, responding in kind doesn’t contribute to the kingdom of God; it may even harm our testimony.
So how are we to handle such instances as these, especially with unbelievers? Well, fortunate for us, we have a guidebook and the Guide to help us with life: the Bible and Jesus!
Jesus’ words helps us to know how we should handle the situations where we are being attacked, insulted, or mistreated when He says,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth [punishment that fits the offense].’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person [who insults you or violates your rights]; but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also [simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate—maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise].” Matthew 5:38-39 AMP
Easier said than done, isn’t it? On our own, this seems impossible. However, with the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, all things become possible—even the challenging act of turning the other cheek!
“Holy Spirit, when we are faced with a situation where we need to turn the other cheek, please empower us to do so. We only want to promote the kingdom of God in our words and deeds. Help us today to choose to be ambassadors for the kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen
2 thoughts on “I Choose Today to choose my words”
I read a book years ago, Silver Boxes, that was based on Eph. 4:29 “Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.” (MSG) It gave a huge lesson on how important it is to make every word that comes out of our mouths to be a “gift” to the person we are talking to. What a great reminder, Molinda.
I love the verse states that “each word is a gift.” No one wants to give a bad gift, right? Most of the topics I write about come out of something the Lord is walking me through, so this is a reminder for myself as well. I want to have a witness to the non-believers in my life as well as with my family, friends, and fellow believers. I need to Holy Spirit’s help with this. Isn’t God’s Word amazing? So practical. Amen?!