For thus saith the Lord, “Thy bruise is incurable, and thy wound is grievous.” Jeremiah 31:12

Truth and love are never separated in the heart of the Gospel. God speaks to me this way, and as His child, I am called to speak this way to others. Truth can cut deeply, but when carried by love and tenderness, its purpose is not injury but restoration. How many have claimed to be “truth tellers” in the name of Christ while leaving wounds that lasted for decades? Even a seasoned believer can be brought low by reckless words spoken without grace.

The deepest wounds left by words must eventually be answered by a stronger Voice. I must be willing to disown hurtful words and no longer have them define me in any way.  n prayer, I can bring those old verdicts to the cross, renounce their authority, and refuse to let another person’s anger, accusation, or distorted perception continue telling me who I am.

But what do I do with the intent behind the words, the contempt, rage, or desire to wound that I felt when they were spoken? I bring that to Jesus too. I ask Him to separate me from everything that came attached to those words, to cleanse the wound of its poison, and to leave only what is true. Jesus will deal with the spirit that came with the words and cleanse me from all their effects. Their words do not get the final say. Jesus does.

For each of us who has sustained damage from someone’s words, I must isolate the words, reflect on them, examine the damage and then talk to Jesus about it all. 

“Lord, nullify the effects of those comments under the power of Your shed blood.  Take these words from my mind and my heart.  Remove the arrows that wounded my soul so deeply.   Make it as though the words had never been spoken.  I forgive the person who spoke them and give up my right to take revenge.  I put this person in Your hands for You to rule righteously.  Arise on my behalf.  Hear my prayer.  Hold me, breathe over me, write Your living Word on my heart and mind. I stand today on Your promise.  “The Sun of righteousness will arise with healing in his wings.”  Malachi 4:2   In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen