A face mask can shield us from some destructive airborne germs. What shields us from the airborne destruction of words that disrespect and dishonor us? How can we help people see how life-giving or destructive and deadly words can be? Why has the world made verbally attacking and hurting people easy, fun, and considered “normal?”
The staggering number of COVID-19 cases in each country has made the world aware of its global grip and destruction. There is another destructive force that has been going on for years that we also need to stop. The destroyer I am talking about comes from the disrespecting and dishonoring words we speak to one another, which is verbal abuse.
Imperfect Human Condition
In our sinful human condition, we naturally desire our way without regard for others. We learn to say the words “mine, give me, and I want” at an early age. The world promotes us to be all about ourselves and to get ahead at any cost.
Although some of us were raised in Christian homes, we all have to face degrading, disrespectful, dishonoring, and destructive words from the ones we love or from strangers, sometime in our life. Most of us have also felt the pain of bullying at one time or another. Bullying is to harm, intimidate, coerce, or control someone.
How we talk to people is a learned technique. If we grew up in an “all about me” environment or we learned to use words to get what we wanted at any cost, then we have come to accept destructive words as normal and good. If we have learned to use words as a weapon instead of encouragement, we run the danger of abusing people with our words.
Facts About Verbal Abuse
All forms of abuse are learned. Abuse is not a “condition or illness.” Verbal abuse is the most used form of abuse, and one of the least acknowledged, except for bullying. Verbal abuse is a choice.
“Verbal abuse (also verbal attack or verbal assault) is the act of forcefully criticizing, insulting, or denouncing another person. Characterized by underlying anger and hostility, it is a destructive form of communication intended to harm the self-concept of the other person and produce negative emotions, by Wikipedia.”
A Disciple of Christ Must Be His Example
When you choose to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, you must understand that you are his ambassador, or you represent his heart, thoughts, attitudes, behaviors, and WORDS! Jesus died for each one of us to pay for the punishment of all our sins. His precious gift doesn’t absolve us from our responsibility to work with Jesus every day as we grow our personal relationship with him. Salvation is a gift. However, walking with Jesus and maturing into his likeness is a life-long commitment and journey.
Someone may say, “I am a Christian; I am on my way to heaven; I belong to Christ.” But if he doesn’t do what Christ tells him to, he is a liar. But those who do what Christ tells them to will learn to love God more and more. That is the way to know whether or not you are a Christian. Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did.” (1 John 2:4-6, TLB)
Christ’s Loving Words are the Worlds Solution for Verbal Abuse
Jesus is our perfect example of how to respect and love others where they are without having to manipulate, hurt, or control them. He listened to others and talked to them with respect. He gave them the truth of God and let them have their own opinion with getting into an argument or fight. He gave them the freedom to listen and learn without trying to force his gospel on them.
As disciples of Christ, we must learn to let others have an opinion without trying to force them to see things our way or Christ’s way. “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (Heb. 4:12, NLT)
It’s God’s place to touch their hearts and minds. It’s our mission to plant seeds of Christ’s gospel and to be their example of Christ’s love. We must choose words of life full of love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Just because we listen to others does not mean we have to agree or conform to their beliefs. We must listen, and when necessary, kindly agree to disagree respectfully.
Disciples of Jesus, let’s stop all verbal abuse coming from our old patterns by learning and living in the characteristics of Christ and his love. Let’s love others as Christ loved us. Let’s be the light and change of communication the world can find in Christ’s hope and love!
Learn to live in Christ’s love design and eliminate all abuse by ordering your book now! Quest for Exceptional Love Book and Workbook on Amazon.
