|
Paper Cuts
It happens much too often. I’m hurrying to open an envelope, not paying much attention, when suddenly -- OUCH! A dreaded paper cut!
We’ve all had them. And isn’t it amazing how something so small and seemingly harmless can cause so much pain?
I believe our words can have the same effect.
Sometimes we blurt out a short, snippy remark without giving it a second thought. We may not even realize how deeply those few words can hurt. And sadly, the people we wound with our words are often the very people we care about the most.
A paper cut may be small, but we certainly know when it’s there. Words may be spoken in a moment, but their sting can linger long after the words are gone.
James 3:5-6 reminds us: “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”
Words are not a small thing to God. Scripture has much to say about the power of our speech. In fact, there are well over 100 passages that address the way we speak and the power of our words.
Perhaps we need to periodically stop and ask ourselves: Do my words reflect the voice of Christ? Are they tender, kind, and encouraging? Or does my careless tongue leave a trail of “paper cuts” on the people around me?
If we discover that our words have been doing more wounding than healing, we can begin with a simple prayer: “Lord, help me to think before I speak. Soften my words. Let my speech reflect You.”
I’ll leave you with one last thought: Suppose your words will be the last words they ever hear. You never know when a conversation might be the final one. You may not get another opportunity to say, “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” “I forgive you,” or simply, “I’m glad you’re here.”
So, before you speak, perhaps you should pause and ask yourself:
If these were the last words they ever heard from me, would I want them to remember what I said?
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Proverbs 12:18
Blessings,
Pastor Sue
| 
