Sticks and Stones

 “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”

This slogan was probably one of your stock phrases for dealing with bullies. Perhaps you remember…the local bully pushes you, then makes a face at you, and finally says something particularly nasty. Your response most likely was drilled into you by a teacher, parent or even a friend…”Sticks and stones…”
Sadly, sticks and stones do break bones, however, words hurt even worse than sticks, stones, boulders or a punch in the face! The body is an amazing healing apparatus; wounds do miraculously heal over time, but words, spoken in spite and cruelty can crush our spirits for a lifetime! “The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?” Proverbs 18:14
We live in a world where harsh words are common on Facebook. Tongue lashings happen while driving, pushing a cart in the local grocery store or even in dealing with our own children. How can we move away from language that tears down and destroys? Can we change? The answer is…Yes! Jesus is the example in how He loved and forgave, even while on the cross.
So…where do we begin? Consider Paul’s admonition; “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Sticks, stones, and words…really do hurt. It’s time for a kind word…this morning.
Ken

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