Unstick the Lies -- Overcome With GraceSample

Embrace Words

Lose the lie: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

Do you still have childhood lies or labels stuck to you? Here’s an example: “Ha-ha, Janelle can’t tie her own shoes.” 

Once, I was telling my close friend about my childhood labels. She looked down at my tied walking shoes and said, “Well, you obviously learned how.” I chuckled and realized it was true. That conversation made me think of all the ways I’ve left my heart’s door unguarded and allowed toxic lies to wreak havoc in my mind. 

Have you ever been hurt by the reckless words of others? Maybe you still hear the message from years ago, echoing inside you: “You’re too fat,” “I never loved you,” or “You’ll never learn.”

As devastating as these words can be, they can be offset by God’s words of truth, hope, and love. The right words at the right time can be helpful, healing, and life-transforming. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” What you say can give life to you and to other people, or it can take life away. Similarly, the words you allow in your heart can bring healing or help the wounding words fester.

We must mind our words to ourselves (even if no one hears them), plus God’s Word should be taken seriously. The power of life and death is in the words we say and think. And the choice to internalize them or take them to God is a choice only you can make. 

Gain God’s truth: Words are powerful beyond imagination. Think about it. God created the world as we know it with words. Words carry power. Godly words can revive, heal, and change our lives. Ungodly words have the power to bind, imprison, and destroy. When you hear the words of others, you have a choice to receive them or reject them. And every time you open your mouth to utter a word, you have the opportunity to speak life or take life away. Positive words plant seeds for beautiful trees. Deceptive words poison and kill like weed spray. Plant seeds of life in your own life and the life of others. And guard your heart to receive life-giving words and let life flow from your mouth!