3:297 – Harsh Tongue, Bad Reactions

#faithbites #faithjourney harsh

Setting

I’ve seen many friends share ideas and opinions that I believe we’re sexist or racist. The person claims that they are not being sexist or racist. After digging deep and understanding what they are trying to say, they aren’t meaning to be but their words are coming across in a harsh way. There may even be truth involved but because of their words, the message is lost.

There aren’t any perfect words and people can interpret what they want to. We need to find ways to soften our words to get the point that we mean across. Too often we have bad reactions because our words are harsh. This doesn’t mean to sugar coat everything but to look at what others may interpret from what you are saying.

What does the Bible say about using harsh words?

Scripture

• Proverbs 12:18 – There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing
• Proverbs 29:11 – A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
• Ephesians 4:13 – Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

Reflection

I don’t know about you but I don’t want to be seen as a fool or one who hurts others. The times I have felt the worst is when I unintentionally say something that stings and hurts someone to the core. This isn’t the person I want to be. I’m consider myself lucky to have friends who will call me out, in a nice way so I can get better.

I hope that we can look at God’s Word and see how we can speak with love, healing, and be wise. It will be hard but with Jesus on our side and our being willing, we can do it.

Challenge

Are you trying to get a point across and failing? Is it the words you are using? Is it you as the messenger? Ask someone who you trust and care for to give you honest feedback. You may be surprised how your words are coming across.

Prayer

Father God, help our words to be like honey. Let them help others to grow in you. We know that downtimes we are trying to get a point across to help people understand, but we aren’t using tact or using harsh terms when a different approach would work better. There are some times when we are purposefully hurtful and we are sorry.

Lord, help us to be like you. That even if we are right, let us use terms and tone to bridge rather than divide. We also pray that our words are taken the way we mean them to be taken. We know we can’t control how others take our words, but help us please. We aren’t perfect, and ask for your guidance as we speak. In your name, Amen.