Dibarnu dofi– We have spoken slander

Words hurt. Like, a lot! The phrase “Sticks and stones my break my bones but words will never hurt me” is wrong.

Words are “the” things that stick in our brain longer than any physical wound. Newton’s law states that an object in motion will continue moving until another force acts upon it. It is the same with words. Those words of pain spoken over us, breed more painful words inside of our hearts that come spilling out onto those around us, causing the cycle to continue over, and over, and over again… until the cycle is broken by one brave enough to say “No More!”

“Reckless speech is like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18). Now is the time to stop the fountain of reckless words spilling out uncontrollably. Now is the time to think before speaking. Allow Adonai to give you the words to encourage those around you, not to tear them down. “Let no harmful word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for building others up according to the need, so that it gives grace to those who hear it” (Ephesians 4:29). Everyone has their own troubles and their own pain. Let us not add to it by allowing our own pain to pull them lower.

Oh Adonai, for the words that I have spoken (or written) that have damaged the heart, the reputation, or the character of another, I come to You in repentance. I ask that my tongue would only speak words of edification and encouragement over the lives of those with whom I come in contact. Also, search the hidden places in my heart where slanderous words have taken root, either about myself or about another. Purge them from me so I may walk in life and freedom, and replace them with Your truth, Your compassion and Your love – for others and also for myself.