Bible Verses to Explore: Ephesians 4:29 & James 3:2
In James 3:2 Paul wrote, “We all make many mistakes. A person who never said anything wrong would be perfect.” None of us is perfect. We have all said things that have hurt other
people.
We know that words can hurt, but we still say them too often.
We also know that we can’t “unspeak” words that have caused another person pain. That is impossible. We can’t undo all the hurt but, we can help that person’s hurt to begin healing. How?
First, admit that what you said was wrong and ask God to forgive you. Second, ask forgiveness from the person you hurt. Third, ask forgiveness from anyone else who may have heard the words. Fourth, ask God
to take control of what you say from now on. Finally, spend some time finding out what the Bible says about what you should and shouldn’t say. Some good verses to start with are Ephesians 4:29-32 (with special emphasis on verse 29 which says, “When you talk, don't say anything bad. But say the good things that people need—whatever will help them grow stronger. Then what you say will be a blessing to those who hear you.”), James 3:2-10, and Proverbs 16:21-24. I encourage you to read these passages.
I also encourage you to work hard to avoid saying words that hurt.
Please, pray with me. Heavenly Father, help us to think before we speak. Help us to avoid words that hurt. Help us to speak only kind words. In Jesus’ name. Amen.