Thursday, April 5, 2012

Razors or Band-Aids

Proverbs 12:18
Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

We all know that our words carry power and influence, but it is so easy to forget the tremendous impact they can have on a person. It is so easy to find ourselves around our friends joking with each other and making fun of each other's flaws, insecurities, and mistakes. We don't always intend to hurt, but even without realizing it we are sending out words to our friends that are truly damaging. These jokes, one-liners, gossips, and quips come in the form of text messages, Facebook posts and quick audible jabs; but no matter their form they still can be like little razor blades slicing away at the hearts of our friends.

As Christ followers it is crucial to remember that our words not only have the power to hurt, but as this Proverb mentions, they have the capability of bringing healing to others. When everyone else is joking around and being mean we can encourage. When everyone is criticizing someone for their mistakes we can accentuate their successes. When everyone is talking smack about someone on Facebook we can choose to delete the post from our wall. The people around us are constantly getting ripped apart by the words of others, allow your words to do just the opposite and build someone up. Use your words to restore, encourage, edify, promote, and heal the hearts of your friends.

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