hmmmm.
And it got me to thinking, if I had just had the same conversation with my Lord, what would He have sent back to me in an email? My prayers had been saturated with asking for help in this area for weeks and I have not felt like they had fallen on deaf ears. And I wondered if I should have just kept this between me and Him. And then I remembered His word.
Now, having a bit of hurt (with the possibility of resentment) going on, I did go to my spiritual mentor, a woman older in her faith (than either my friend or myself) and shared my hurt, my questions, and finally just asked for her advise. What she said to me was like healing ointment to my wounds; words that were laced with grace, mercy, and truth. Then she suggested that I set up some boundaries in the area that I was confessing (that was really the question...was I acting unChrist-like to remove myself from a situation?). Boundaries; one's that protect me from pain that is not being initiated by God, allowing time for God to continue the healing that He has begun in me.
But I still wonder how God's words would have sounded and what words He would have used. I believe I heard them from my wise, older friend......
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18
God, help me speak wise words when the opportunity presents...when others are hurting, confessing, or just trying to sort things out. I ask that you would always guard my tongue so that my words would not pierce, but that they would heal.
God, help me speak wise words when the opportunity presents...when others are hurting, confessing, or just trying to sort things out. I ask that you would always guard my tongue so that my words would not pierce, but that they would heal.
4 comments:
And the crazy thing is that same person could have spoken the healing words to someone else that same day...we are CRAZY people. I know I can be like that sometimes...encouraging one minute and chopping someone off at the knees the next.
We all certainly have the opportunity EVERY DAY to learn how to roll those hurtful words off at His feet and to find a balm for our wounds...to learn how to keep our hearts tender. Good for you that you went to your mentor...we all need them...it's so cool that God has given you someone to share with....
Really makes me think before I speak or type...I don't ever want anyone on the other side of the table or the computer hurt from something I've said or not said.
I'm glad you went to your mentor...wise decision.
love,
Lelia
I love reading your posts. They are so thought provoking and just...deep. I think it's something that we all struggle with, using our mouths to build people up or tear people down. Now it seems that our thoughts on an email can do the very same thing! God Bless you Liz!
Words are so powerful and the thing about the written word is that it can be taken wrong OR it can be written without thinking how it will be perceived. You are probably right in your perception of the email but instead of dwelling on that, take the sweeter words of your mentor and let them bring life.
This is an area I have to constantly be aware of because my tendency is to speak out of reaction instead of thinking first and measuring the impact of my words.
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