Ever met someone without a filter? They are willing to say anything to anyone at anytime. Sometimes there are health issues or disabilities associated with their actions, but some people have just not learned to think before they speak.
The saying, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” has been spoken around elementary playgrounds for many decades. It’s too bad the saying isn’t true. Few people are able to disregard harmful things said about them or to them without allowing the impact of the words to sink in.
Kids are the most vulnerable to this as they grow and mature. They are still very much in the stage of caring what other people think of them. This is what our society has inbred into us—opinions of others matter.
As adults, we often feel this too. The difference between those who are most affected isn’t necessarily that they have tougher skin. Yes, experiences can change the way you interpret things, but the difference comes with those who know whose they are.
You can have an idea of who you are what you’d like to be, but until you know that you are a child of God and commit all you are back to Him the things of this world will still have a way of controlling what you think, say, and do.
Gossip hurts people and rumors can destroy. A great rule of thumb is to not listen when people talk about others and not to engage in conversations that can be harmful to the feelings and lives of others. It’s a fine line between gossip and regular conversation, but when in doubt opt out.
It’s better to be a part of lifting others up than it is to participate in something that can bring them down. If we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus and made in the image of God, it is possible to think like He would. All you have to do is pray for God to work in your life and through you to show love to others.
How have your words in the past negatively impacted someone? How did you make it right with them?
