Even when an injury has healed, it can leave a scar that causes lingering pain and discomfort. And it’s the same in life. Some of the people around us are wearing masks of success and happiness, but inside, they’re carrying wounds that they don’t feel able to talk about. And often the most painful and lasting wounds can be from the words someone has spoken. That’s why we always need to take care in how we’re speaking and what we’re saying. Our words have the power to wound or heal. They can inspire and encourage someone, or they can reinforce their feelings of failure and worthlessness and hurt them even more. The Bible says, ‘Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body’ (Proverbs 16:24 ESV). We should regularly ask God to guide our words, to help us speak with gentleness, to prompt us when it’s the right time to talk to someone, and to check us when we need to stay quiet. Job, who suffered more loss than most of us will ever experience, said, ‘I would encourage you, and my words would bring you relief. (Job 16:5 NCV). If we want to help someone who’s hurting, giving them our opinion on their circumstances won’t do much for them. What we should do is give them the only opinion that matters – God’s opinion! This is what He says: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you’ (Jeremiah 31:3 AMP). When we know someone is feeling the pain of old wounds and old words, let’s encourage them with God’s love, and be guided by Him to speak only words of healing over them.

What Now?

Share a Bible verse about God’s love with someone who’s been hurt by harsh or insensitive words, and reassure them that He values them and wants to bring healing.