Reckless words

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18)

Have you ever said something and immediately wished you hadn't? I've been guilty of that many times in my life. Not only have I said things I wish I hadn't, but I've written things I wish I hadn't. Yesterday was one of those days. Without realizing it, something I'd written in one of my blog posts greatly offended and hurt one of my family members. I was made aware of it later in the day and immediately removed the post. My heart was broken. I'm not in the habit of wounding others with my words. Just knowing that I'd caused someone else pain devastated me. Immediately, I apologized but my words could not be recalled. They were already written and had already been read. Though they were not spoken, they'd done just as much harm as if they had been.

The Bible says that harsh words stir up anger. Although my words had not been harsh, they had been hurtful. Had I intended to cause hurt feelings? No! But had my words inflicted pain? Yes. What was I to do now? The only thing I knew to do, apologize. The Bible says a gentle answer turns away wrath. It was my hope that my apology would be accepted. I'm not sure it has been, but I hope it will be.

I've learned the hard way that words are powerful. They have the power to heal or to destroy. Once spoken, they can never be recalled. I've asked God to set a guard at my lips keeping hurtful words from ever coming out of my mouth and I've asked Him to guide my hand protecting it from writing words that may inadvertently affect someone else in a negative way. 

We are all human and we all make mistakes. I'll admit that I've definitely made my share of them. The Bible tells me that love covers a multitude of sin so I am hoping that the person I've offended will find it in their heart to forgive me and know that I am deeply sorry because I love them. There's nothing that makes Satan happier than to cause dissension in relationships. Wherever he can get a foothold, he will do it. It is our job to realize when he's at work and call him on it.

The Lord knows the intentions of our hearts and He holds us accountable for our actions. We we admit our faults and ask for forgiveness, He forgives us. When we ask others for forgiveness they have the choice to accept our apology or reject it. If they refuse to accept it, then a root of unforgiveness and bitterness begins to grow and damage that could have been stopped early on grows to epic proportions.

You may never consider your words as weapons but they hold great power. Choose them carefully.

©bonnie annis all rights reserved

"Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3"