"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." Those words ran through my mind many times in elementary school trying to make myself believe them. When a hurting word or biting phrase would be said by a school mate this little sentence would stream forth.
Oh...but words do hurt! Much worse than sticks or stones.
There is not a day goes by that I do not hurt someone else or am hurt by someone else. And when I hurt someone else I usually know it already and regret the situation. Most people do not need to be reminded of the pain they inflict. All preachers, teachers, parents, children, friends engage in hurtful words without malice. As the brother of Jesus reminds "the tongue is a fire, full of restless poison...no man can tame the tongue."
So let's encourage instead. Watch our words...all words and encourage. Let's build each other up rather than tear down. Let's remind each other of God's love...the easiest thing to do is tear down and remind others of the mistakes they make.
Take time today to tell those closest to you...you are wonderful...thanks for being in my life.
How would your day have been different if you were encouraged by the words of another?
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