Read Psalm 100-101
When I was in 9th grade I experienced the powerful affect of words. There was a guy in my class who didn’t like me. I think he’d had a crush on my sister and when she did not reciprocate the same feelings, he took it out on me. He bullied me. He began calling me a derogatory term.
When I would go to throw a piece of paper away, he’d write the word on my notebook. He’s spread rumors about me. He’d make innuendos to my face. Finally, one day at lunch two of my buddies held him down and told me to punch him in the face. Now, I didn’t, but he got the hint and moved on.
Now, was it true what he was saying about me? No, but it didn’t matter, it still hurt. And I still remember that time of my life quite vividly. I don’t even remember the guys name or whatever happened to him, but here we are 36 years later, and I still remember how those words hurt.
Our words have the power to heal or to hurt. Perhaps that's why King David took slander so seriously. In Psalm 101:5 David writes, "Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure."
Wow, you really had to be careful how you treated people in David's kingdom. And we should be diligent how we treat people as part of God's kingdom. We are not to slander nor act arrogantly toward others. You want to hurt a relationship? Talk behind a person's back. Let pride come between the relationship.
Our words truly have the power to heal or to hurt. And it's an arrogant heart that cares little about the damage their words may cause. Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." So what will it be today? Will your words heal or will they hurt?
Who needs to hear healing words today? Who will you speak words of healing to?
Have you recently hurt with your words? If so, seek forgiveness today.
Prayer for the day: "Dear God, you have brought healing into my life. May I bring healing to others with my words. Keep my lips from gossip. May I honor you with my words today. Amen."