HEALING FROM DESTRUCTIVE WORDS
Christine Wyrtzen
As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30
Truth and love are always paired in the context of the Gospel. God speaks that way and as His child, I am asked to communicate with others like this too. Truth can be brutal but when wrapped in love and kindness, it does not injure. It instructs. But how many have claimed to be truth tellers in the name of Christ only to do long-term damage to a child or young disciple. Even the most seasoned Christian can be brought low in an instant by reckless words spoken without grace.
The only cure for the deep pain of others' words is to allow God to speak the truth in the context of love and tenderness. I must be willing to disown hurtful words and no longer have them define me in any way. These injurious comments should be dealt with severely at the cross, in prayer.
What do I do with the hurtful attitude of the one who originally spoke it? I ask God to remove the injury of their intent. If their comment came with anger or revenge, Jesus will deal with the spirit that came with the words and cleanse me from all their effects.
For each of us who has sustained damage from the words of another, I must isolate the words, reflect on them, examine the damage and then talk to Jesus about it all. I must own any sinful reactions I had to their sin against me. Anger, revenge, sharp retorts, etc.. How do I heal? Here is a prayer.
"Lord, nullify the effects of these comments under the power of Your shed blood. Take these words from my mind and my heart. Remove the arrows that wounded my soul so deeply. Make it as though the words had never been spoken. I forgive the person who spoke them and give up my right to take revenge. I put this person in Your hands for You to rule righteously. Arise on my behalf. Hear my prayer. Hold me, breathe over me, kiss my heart with Your living Word and may I live in abundant life. Lord, I stand today on Your promise. “The Sun of righteousness will arise with healing in his wings." Malachi 4:2
Because of Jesus, I pray...Amen
Originally published Wednesday, 11 April 2018.
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