Power to Heal or Destroy

If you are currently in ANY stage of parenting, I feel certain you feel as if you are on repeat when talking about self-control to your little people.  I know we are ! My boys are probably as tired of hearing it as we are of saying it some days.  There is no area of life or no relationship that is immune to the need for self control.  Holding your strong, piercing words, controlling your body movements (even the small ones you don't think others can see), and reigning in the attitude (my personal fave) are evidence of learned self control.  In school, home, the athletic field, in the workplace - including the eventful staff meetings, in marriage interactions and in friendships - God desires us to use self control - He teaches us this throughout His word. We drive home the power of our actions and words towards others. 
But what about the waves of words and actions coming towards us - crashing in to us ?  There are not from us - not within our reach or grip - yet launched TO us.  Maybe they are a results of what we did or said - or maybe NOT - they can be uplifting, encouraging, healing, humbling- but I want to know what you do with the ones meant for damage - the ones that pierce - the ones that have power to change us - and not for the better. 
Has there every been any doubt about the power of words? We have all been wounded. 

     "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18-19

They are the same as a weapon - they injure - they penetrate our very soul. Many leaving wounds. So if we are not able to control the actions of others towards us, how should we respond ? 
Remember, they are TO us but DO NOT define us.

Without a doubt, I have a damaged self with wounds from others' words, actions or anger towards me - some from those closest to me. I have allowed words from others to build tall, sturdy walls of shame and guilt as they have been allowed to take residence in my heart.  They have replaced what I know to be true about me.  The walls must be torn down - if not they will promote fear, inhibit relationships, fertilize anxiety- it gets heavy.  The walls become a fortress we hide behind- not living in the freedom God desires for us as His children.  
No one chooses our value other than Our Creator - and He was sure to show us our value when He sent His Son to die for us.  Every action, response and those tiny, whispered thoughts should be rooted in His love for us.  Again, God desires for us to live in the fulfillment of our being His creation - not the murky depths of others words, actions or thoughts towards us.  In the same way, we should use our own words and actions - using self control - to give freedom, encouragement and love to one another - helping them to know and claim their value in Christ Jesus.  

Live in the Truth - Speak the Truth - our words will either help to heal or to destroy.  Choose carefully both the words we speak to others' hearts and the words or actions we allow to settle on our own hearts. 

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