Sticks and Stones

"The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences."

~Proverbs 18:21

"Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." This familiar statement came to light in the 1800's. It originally was written to persuade young victims of name-calling to ignore the taunts, to refrain from physical retaliation, and to remain calm and good-natured. I believe that is a fantastic thing. In other words it could be restated as this: 

"You have heard that it was was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you... But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." - Matthew 5:38-42, & 44 

God never said it would be easy, because it's not, however He did say we should do it. We cannot control what comes from another mouth, but we can control how we respond and what comes from ours. Instead of putting blame on someone else why not start with us. 

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from you brother's eye." Matthew 7:3-5 

When you think about saying something about someone else, think about theses things.

• Would I say it to their face
• Would it build them up
• Would it improve the silence 
• Is it meaningful to God's Kingdom

When you think about sweeping under the rug. Or skipping a minor step in a task think about this verse.

• "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through HIm." -Colossians 3:17
• Do your best, for God, because He is there, and He is watching you.

"Show yourself in all respect to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us." Titus 2:7-8