Words That Wound

Do you ever talk about people behind their backs? It’s called gossip. Perhaps you intend to hurt with your words, perhaps not; but that doesn’t matter. Thanks to you, someone ends up on the floor because of a slur or slip of the tongue. And there the person lies, wounded and bleeding. Bruised feelings, punctured pride, broken heart.
Mary probably knew just what that felt like. An unmarried teen, pregnant. Stares and whispers when she walked by: “I guess Mary isn’t the good girl we thought she was.” But the gossipers didn’t have all the facts. No one told them that Mary carried the Savior of the world.
You don’t have all the facts either. So don’t spread rumors or bad news or make accusations about others. Walk away when someone else does it. Make these words from Ephesians your motto: “Don’t say anything that would hurt another person. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed” [Eph 4:29].
Thought –
Can you imagine Jesus hanging out with friends, sharing secrets about disciple who isn’t there? Can you imagine someone being inspired by your example if you do it? When gossipers gab, people get hurt. In the same light, imagine what good words can do. Imagine the impact we make when we share good news about people and encourage one another. It really does have incredible impact.
Love ya
Have a great weekend
Randy