I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end.
I Am Found In You
by
Steven Curtis Chapman
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts; those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Psalms 15:2-3 NLT
Another group of hurting people I have encountered in the 10 years with this online ministry are people who have been abused verbally by another person. Sometimes this is a spouse, sometimes a parent, and sometimes a boss or co-worker passing out the abuse. If you have ever lived under constant verbal abuse then you know that it can crush your spirit and keep you from functioning completely whole as a person.
Whoever said the “words will never hurt you” didn’t know what they were talking about. Actually, they probably did. They were probably trying to cover up pain with their statement.
I have been the subject of verbal abuse. In recent years, that has come from people in the ministry who were opposed to the way I do ministry or the ministry I do. Someone I respect often reminds me that if a person follows very close to Jesus they will discover opposition. (I know that to be true!)
The only remedies I know for verbal abuse is counter it with truth. We have to be open to receiving instruction, and even correction, if it is given in love. We should strive, however, not to allow gossip or slander to affect our opinion of ourselves or determine how we think God feels about us. The TRUTH is that God loves us in spite of ourselves and His opinion of us is based on our relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ. If you are a child of God, He thinks you’re the best! Live in that reality!
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All materials © 2008 Richard G. Schlief.
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