Let’s Face It: Words Hurt

Words Hurt

by Alycia Morales

It wasn’t a couple of years ago my oldest son, Ezra came home from middle school crying that he hated everyone and never wanted to return. Just a month ago, my middle son, Caleb did the same. “I want to be homeschooled.”

Why? Someone else’s words.

“Muttley.” “Gayleb.” “Daffy Duck.” “Frito Lay.” “Fungi.” “Friz Head.”

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Whoever came up with that line was stupid.

Too often, we allow the words of others to become fiery darts that embed themselves deep into our being. Let’s face it: words hurt. {Tweet This}

But what happens when we get hold of the Living God and we discover who we are in His eyes?

For me, that process has been a life changer.

Ephesians 6: 10-17 says, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…

Ephesians 6 The Armor of GodThe first thing I grabbed onto was the revelation that I’m not fighting against flesh and blood. When my husband is pushing every button he can find in a day (which rarely happens, by the way), I have to step back and consider who is really trying to bring me down. Is it the man who vowed to love me for eternity? No. It’s the enemy of my soul who would love to separate what God has joined together. Because strong marriages are rare in this day and age.

When someone is out to get you down with their words, consider who they are and where they come from. Was their grandparent a vocal racist? Was their parent home to train them up in the way that they should go, or were they a latchkey kid? What is God doing in your life in that moment that would encourage an onslaught from the enemy?

It seems to happen in the sixth and seventh grade for my kids – that moment in time when their fellow classmates discover that my children aren’t interested in dating. In today’s world, the kids’ first thought is always – without fail – “You’re gay!” My children’s response? “No. I don’t want to deal with all the drama of dating. I’d rather enjoy my childhood, thanks.”

Psalm 62 Jesus is My DefenseHe only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved (Psalm 62:2). The next sentence of this scripture verse is “How long will you attack a man? You will be slain…” God is our rock that we stand firmly upon. Jesus is our salvation from the enemy. He is our defense. And in Him, we shall not be greatly moved.

The next time someone comes at you with hurtful words, consider where they’re really coming from.

Gird yourself with the truth of who God says you are in Christ.

Put on the breastplate of righteousness, knowing that you are created in His image and likeness.

Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Study His word and underline or highlight the verses that tell us who we are in Him.

Raise up your shield of faith in who God says you are. Believe what He says, not what the enemy tries to fire at you.

Take the helmet of salvation. Let Jesus protect your thoughts. Even if you were some of the things people have said, you are a new creation in Jesus Christ. Don’t forget that.

Take up the sword of the Spirit. But be careful in how you wield it. Rather than retaliate with hurtful words, tell them who they really are, beautifully and wonderfully made.

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Sticks and stones break bones, and words hurt. http://tinyurl.com/pexp5uf

Who are we really fighting when others hurt us with their words? http://tinyurl.com/pexp5uf

Join the inspiration: What nicknames have hurt you? Who does God say you are?

 

Pirate Preacher

The Pirate Preacher is the Communications Director at Christ' Church at Moore Square. On Monday nights he leads a "Jesus Study" in Moore Square. Each Sunday between 12:30 and 2:00 the Pirate Preacher and others, gather in the park to hand out food, water, and other items that add to the abundant life Jesus promised. He's also is an award-winning author of middle-grade, YA, and adult fiction and a writing coach and instructor.

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