I think it is safe to say that all of us have made statements we wish we could retract, sometimes immediately after the words come out of our mouths. I’m certainly not an expert on the matter but I think these things happen to us for one of these reasons. (1) The more we talk, the greater the possibility of error. Proverbs 19:10 KJV says: “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” TheNew Living Translation (NLT) says it this way: “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”Ouch! (2) We get careless and don’t think in advance of what we should say, and (3) we’re human.
I was thinking about this issue because I recently read an article about the things we should never say to cancer patients but I think the advice given in the article applies to anyone going through a difficult trial in their life. People, of course, mean well but certain popular clichés or catch phrases do much more harm than good in these situations. Although there are too many to include here, these are just three of them: (1) “I know what you’re going through.” (2) “Ask God to give you more faith.” and (3) "I’m praying for God’s will to be done in your life."
I know there are times when we worry about what we’re going to say to certain people who are in the midst of a life storm. To me, the safest thing we can do at such times is to say nothing. Sometimes a warm embrace or a loving touch is all your friend or loved one needs. In fact, just your mere presence will give them much comfort and it will be something they may remember for a lifetime. Here is another sure-fire approach: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15) I bet some of you remember a time when you went to a friend or a loved one who was so emotionally crushed that all you could think of doing was to hold and cry with him or her. You may have not realized it then, but your act of love and kindness did wonders.
Memory verse for the week: (Proverbs 17:27 KJV) “He that ha
