If you have ever heard this phrase, you have probably just been either criticized or insulted or both. I will admit, I hate this phrase, mostly because it means nothing. Just sayin. . . what did I think you were doing? If I hear you talking, I know you are just saying something, but it’s what you are saying that bothers me. Like somehow this little phrase gives us the right to say whatever we want.
Another one we like is “no offense” which somehow we believe is a magical phrase that if we say it, the person can’t or won’t be offended. I have heard some of the most offensive things ever said, followed by “no offense”. The reality is, yes, there is a big offense, one you made with your words. Saying that you didn’t offend someone doesn’t mean you didn’t offend someone.
Believe it or deny it, but words have power, they can bring healing or death. Blessings and curses have strong impacts, vows are meaningful and promises mean something. Words have power, God spoke the universe into existence, Jesus healed with words, and faith comes by hearing. The spoken word is a powerful force (the written word has great power also), yet we use them so recklessly sometimes.
James 3 tells us if a person can tame the tongue and not sin in what they say, they can keep the rest of the body in check. He calls the tongue a restless evil. I think this can apply to the fingers in the blog world, that sometimes we don’t speak evil, we post or type evil. We say cruel things, and I know I am no saint. I am not the perfect man, able to keep my tongue or fingers in check some days. For those of you who I have offended and been rude too, I am sorry. It was wrong and I need to be forgiven.
Are we careful with the words we say? Are we careful with what we type, whether blessing or cursing? I pray we are and we can be. Even when it’s in fun, words can cause injury, mocking is painful, and stick, stones and words all hurt. Let’s bless and not curse. I hope you are blessed today.