When I was a little girl, my grandmother used to tell me, “You don’t have to say everything that comes to your mind.” Everything doesn’t need to be said out loud. I’m always amazed at how easily a person can say the rudest things with no regard for how hurtful or devastating it is and disguise it as, “Well, I just shoot straight from the hip,” or “I’m just telling the truth.” You can tell the truth and be compassionate at the same time.
I remember when I was a paraprofessional at an elementary school here in Atlanta. It was a rainy Monday afternoon and my hair became all frizzy. I wasn’t about to let frizzy hair ruin my day. It’s not that serious right? I was taking my Kindergarten class to P.E. While the class and I stood at the door waiting for the P.E. teacher to pick them up, a teacher who I was rather friendly with on a daily basis walked up to me and said, “Mrs. Robinson, you just didn’t care today did you?” I looked at her and as my eyes threw daggers at her, she chuckled and said, “I was just playing!” I knew she wasn’t playing. To me it would have been easier for her to not say anything, but it was very clear that she had a deep burning desire to tell me what she thought of my hair and did not care if it would hurt my feelings. Surprisingly, my feelings weren’t hurt, but I was a bit taken aback.
Words have the power to heal or harm, bless or curse. The tongue is a small member, but packs quite a punch. Our words reflect the state of our hearts. Whatever is in your heart will come through your words whether positive or negative (Luke 6:45). Careless words can do damage that takes years to repair, but kind words can soften hearts and give hope and encouragement to someone that is hurting.
Let’s think before we speak. Let’s ask ourselves, is it really necessary to say this? Is what I’m about to say going to hurt this person’s feelings? Ask yourself if someone said this to me, how would I feel? Never be the reason someone has a bad day. Let your words exude love and compassion. Most importantly, if there’s nothing good to be said, always remember – SILENCE IS GOLDEN!
Prayer: Lord, help me to use my words to uplift and encourage Your people. Let my words be a healing balm that soothes the broken hearted and bring glory and honor to Your name. In Jesus’ precious and holy name, Amen.
