Sticks and Swords

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” How many times did I sing that little rhyme when I was a child? Whenever someone would say something that hurt my feelings I would turn to that familiar refrain and say it to them and then say it over and over to myself.

Trouble was it never did make me feel better. Whatever hurtful thing was said to me had a tendency to stick with me. I would find myself mulling over it for hours or even days. All the while trying not to let anyone know that my feelings had been hurt.

I don’t know who came up with that ditty but someone needs to let the author know words can indeed wound, sometimes even more than a stick. The nice thing is, is that words can also build up and repair.

Words matter.

We have said and written many words in an attempt to express the thoughts, feelings and desires we hold inside. Every song on the radio is a singer’s words put to melody in an effort to express an idea or create a feeling within the listener.

Throughout history lovers have devoted reams of paper and gallons of ink to the inexpressible idea of love’s rapture and heartbreak’s devastation.  Words can alter the course of history. 

The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution of the United States, The Bill of Rights – words that form the foundation of our country.

Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and Emancipation Proclamation – words of freedom.

Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf – words of hate.

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I have a Dream speech – words that inspire and encourage.

Words have power.

Words can give, “You’re hired.” And words can take away, “You’re fired.” Words can soothe, “How can I help?” And words can heal, “I’m sorry.”

In Genesis, we learn that God created the heavens and the earth and God separated the light from the darkness. How did He do this? Did He use modeling clay then wave His hand over it? No. Did He throw a lightening bolt across the cosmos? No.

“And God said…” (Gen. 1:3) That’s all it took. Words. No further action required. Merely by uttering words God called all things into being.

God created us in His image which means our words matter. Our words have power. We can use our words to hurt, kill and destroy or we can use our words to help, love and lift up.

There is another saying, “the pen is mightier than the sword.” The fellow who penned this phrase was a man of wise words.

So the next time someone does or says something to hurt you, instead of picking up a verbal stick or sword, try using 3 of the most powerful words ever spoken, “I forgive you.” I bet it will make you both feel better and it just might alter the course of your history.

It worked for Jesus.

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