Monthly Archives: December 2022

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”  This phrase is reminiscent of school recess when you didn’t want others to know how hurtful their words truly were. Words possess an energy that can heal, help, hurt, or destroy. A single word contains various hidden messages. It could leave us stunned for a moment or forever. No matter what anyone tells you, words and ideas can change the world.

Scientific studies actually show that positive and negative words not only affect us on a deep psychological level, they also have a significant impact on the outcome of our lives. In their neuroscience experiment, “Do words hurt”, Maria Richter and collaborating scientists monitored subjects’ brain responses to auditory and imagined negative words. Their study found that negative words release stress and anxiety-inducing hormones in subjects. Words matter.

How many of us have thoughtful flashbacks over the negative words and taunts that were uttered to us in our lifetime? Why then as Christians, do we sometimes find humour in voicing negative words to someone else? Why is it so commonplace to insult someone and take no thought of what was said?

I remember, not too long after I met Roderick, I got mad one day and told somebody off. I did not use bad words. I don’t use them but my tone was measured and the pace of words so deliberate that the person knew not to mess with me again. I remember Roderick saying, “Yes, what you said was factual but you must always pass your words through three gates. Gate One:” Is it true? Gate Two: “Is it kind? Gate Three: “Is it necessary? I have never forgotten that counsel.

Every encounter we have with another human is an opportunity to witness about the goodness of God. You can do so with positive words. The words you speak can shift the atmosphere around someone’s day and possibly their life. Do you know you can compliment someone and change the trajectory of their day positively?

The Bible says in Proverbs 12:18 says, the words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Our words should bring healing to a soul in turmoil, to someone going through a tough time, to someone needing a friend. How about speaking positivity into those you meet everyday, and especially at Christmastime this year!

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