I've been reminded a couple times how much an unkind or harsh word can sting and it really does tend to ruin your day when someone says something unkind. I also know that on multiple occasions I have hurt someone else with my words in for me, sometimes unintentionally and, unfortunately, sometimes intentionally... I have a tendency to let myself speak when I'm angry and that's never turned out well for me. When I'm angry I say things that at the time I might think I mean but a couple hours later I very much regret what I said and end up having to go back and apologize to the person I hurt.
Proverbs 15:1&2 'A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commands knowledge but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.' and Proverbs 11:9 'With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.' Those are three verses are good reminders for me. The two words that stood out to me when I read that are, fool and godless. Neither of those are qualities that I want God, or others, to associate with me. The godless destroys his neighbor... That's rough.
One thing that I have learned the hard way is that mean, unkind, hurtful words echo though your mind a lot longer that kind words do. People are more likely to remember that one time you hurt them over the couple times you complimented them. You can't take back words, you can apologize but you will never be able to take them back. Once they leave your tongue it's too late.
My challenge to myself, and you, is to think before you speak. Is what you're about to say True? Is it Kind? Is it Honorable? Would you say it if you could see God standing right there next to the person? Would you say it to their face, or just behind their back? Is it Loving? Think about it...
God bless y'all! I hope you have an amazing day/week!
