"Let us learn to discern whether the words spoken against us or against God or against the truth are merely for the wind--spoken not from the soul, but from the sore. If they are for the wind, let us wait in silence and not reprove. Restoring the soul, not reproving the sore, is the aim of our love"
~ John Piper from "A Godward Life"~
I have often heard the quote, "Hurting people hurt people." I have found this to be so true. When I am hurting, I lash out. When someone hurts me I can usually discern that they, too, are hurting.
I have also heard, "Never miss an opportunity to keep your mouth shut." Is what was said truly against me? Give it to God, my Shield and Defender. Is it against God? Then I don't need to answer it, He can answer for Himself. Was it spoken against the truth? The truth, God's Truth is not threatened at all by human words which fall like pebbles being cast against the side of a mountain. If the words that were spoken are "merely for the wind," then being silent allows the wind carry them to the One Who commands both the wind and the waves.
We are to not just stand idly by in our silence, but stand praying. It is in carrying the sore and the wounded soul behind it before the throne of grace that we find ourselves there as well. And that's where we both need to be.
For more reflections on this week's quote, visit Loni at Joy in the Morning.
9 comments:
I love that you said to stand praying. There can be much power in silence.
"Hurting people hurt people."
Very true. Standing in silence is the best way to overcome hurtful words- I have learned this the hard way over the last year.
Thanks for sharing!
Heather
Beautifully said. And so true God can defend himself. Many times I just need to get out the way.
You have so much wisdom Cyndi. As I was reading your post, I thought about selfishness. I know it is a terrible weakness of mine. It seems to be a part of nearly everything. It is my selfishness that causes me to be offended and respond with hurtful words instead of thinking of the hurting one and praying for them.
Thanks so much for this.
Great post! My prayer is that while I am hurting I would keep my mouth shut or even say something so unexpectedly kind! Thank you!
Thank you for your excellent reminder that we need not only be silent, but in silent prayer. More praying and less talking would make a world of difference, helping everyone's open sores to heal!
Blessings,
Elisa
www.laundry-alternative.net
This is so true, thanks for sharing.
What beautiful words, Cyndi. I like what you said: "Never miss an opportunity to keep your mouth shut". Although it might be hard to be quiet, but it is necessary sometimes.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this week's IOW quote.
Somebody (maybe Mark Twain?) said, "Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." I try to remember that when I'm about to say something.
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