Psalm 69:22 Reproach has broken my heart, and it cannot be healed; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I could find no one.
I’ve worked as a psychotherapist for many years, so I think I’ve become something of an authority regarding insults and slights. Words do indeed hurt people.
Many people have sat with me over the years and recounted words spoken years and years ago that still hurt. Remembering these ancient wounding words brings some to tears. It is probably safe to say that you, dear reader, might even carry a faded emotional scar from harsh words spoken long ago. I know that I do.
Today’s psalm reminds us that hearts breaking over insults and harsh words is not a new problem. And healing from hard or hurtful words has never been easy. Thank goodness, we have a great physician in Jesus Christ. Jesus knows what it’s like to be mocked and insulted, to suffer from casual cruelties. Yet he offers by word and example a path to wholeness. Today, take to Jesus your heart broken by insults and allow his love to heal you.
MOVING FORWARD: Setting up new habits of speech can be difficult. How will you help yourself to keep your words meaningful without being hurtful or hard?
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