Words That Hurt
Words that Heal ! / Father Belczak
Over the past few years I have asked some people if they can go for 24 hrs without saying any unkind words about or to anybody. .... I respond by saying, "Those who can't answer 'yes' must recognize that you have a serious problem.
If you can't go for 24 hrs without drinking liquor, you are addicted to alcohol. If you can't go for 24 hrs without smoking, you are addicted to nicotine. Similarly, if you can't go 24 hrs without saying unkind words about others, then you have lost control of your tongue." ........ Well, just think about your own life for a minute. Unless you or someone dear to you has been the victim of terrible physical violence, chances are the worst pains you have suffered in life have come from words used cruelly, i.e. from ego-destroying criticism, excessive anger, sarcasm, betraying of secrets, rumors and malicious gossip. ..........
.......Obviously negative comments we make about absent companions is but one common way we hurt others with words. ...... Because words can be used to inflict devastating and irrevocable suffering and damage, Jewish teachings go so far as to compare cruel words to murder. A penitent can return the money he has stolen; a murderer, no matter how sincerely he repents, cannot restore the victim to life. Similarly, one who damages another's reputation through malicious gossip and lies can never fully undo the damage. You may be giving life or taking life with your words: pay attention to what you say -- choose your words wisely and well in this New Year !
Happy New Year ! January 2, 2011, Fr. Ed Belczak
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