For they persecute those you wound and talk about the pain of those you hurt. Psalm 69:26
David's persecutors added to his injuries with their words as they ridiculed him! What David needed were sympathy and compassion, but instead, he received more harm.
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me is a fallacy which we all have heard, but it holds no truth. Words bring damage to the heart of who we are, even though many of us may retreat to this statement and act as if words fall off. But words have a way of penetrating deep into our hearts, and they take root. As a result of those roots, we respond in ways that hurt others. Take a test and notice if you are guilty of allowing your words to gossip, betray, slander, or put down others instead of lifting them up.
The words we speak reveal our heart, the very core of our being. So if you think that your words don't harm, be cautious because your heart needs healing if you share words of pain. We may appear to have thick skin and don't care about the words, but we may often come off aloof and uncaring because of our pain. Allow God to take care of the roots that may exist in your heart. Allow His words to replant any words of harm with His truth. Go ahead take the test; what are your words saying?
Today in the Workplace
Ask God to give you His words.