It is amazing the power words can have over a person. They can build us up, cut us down and all in a matter of minutes.
The hard thing that when those hurtful words come from a friend it can hurt more than if it is someone that you don’t know as well.
How often have you said something that you wished you could take back?
I think of this bible verse….
“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:2, KJV.
The right words can make you feel good…but the wrong ones can cut you to the quick.
I had a friend that struggles with her words. I have had friends that love to talk, more than think, and I give them grace as I hope they give me grace as I like to think more than talk and tend to stumble on my words for other reasons.
Sometimes though, when someone has used words, on accident or on purpose, and wounded you, how do you react?
What is the right way to react?
I found that first, try to let it go. Dwelling on it, doesn’t really help anyone. I try to give them the benefit of a doubt. They may be sorry for the way they said it and if they are a true friend, they likely did not mean to hurt you.
If this is something that is done on a regular basis, it might be a good idea to have a talk with them. They may really have no clue they hurt you! If they did intend to hurt you, that will also be quickly evident!
All of us need to think about what we say, before we say it, but also, be there to give grace to those that mess up with their words as well.