CRUEL AND HATEFUL WORDS

“For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.  Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing.  My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”

James 3:7-10 KJV

Someone asked a friend why he didn’t think he could be a good dad.  The man said “It is because my stepfather used to say cruel and hateful words to me and he also told me that I am no good and that I will never amount to anything.  Not only did my stepfather hurt my feelings, he also hit me many times.”

I know how this man feels because when I was in school I was told many times that I was no good and would never amount to anything.  I was also told that I was stupid, fat and ugly.  I believed it because they said it so many times.  However, no one understands how it feels to be criticized like Jesus understands.

When Jesus was here on earth, He was cursed, mocked and also abused physically.  He was beaten beyond recognition, cursed, spat on and rejected.  I understand how much it hurts to be called names and told you are no good but nobody understands how it feels to be criticized like Jesus understands.

Jesus tells us in the Bible that what we do to others, we do to Him.  Take the time to read what Jesus said about being kind to others in “Matthew 25:34-45”.  He really does understand how much it hurts when we are criticized.  Jesus loves us very much and it breaks His heart when we hurt. O how I love Jesus!

Joanne Lowe

May 15, 2015