I was just listening to a reel—something I often do for inspiration—and I heard a story that really stuck with me. It was about a guy who sold things door to door. One day, he knocked on a door, and the lady who answered snapped at him. But almost immediately, she apologized. She explained that she was going through something unimaginable. She had just lost her son.
She invited him inside, and as they walked into her home, he noticed a gun sitting on the counter. He was startled, but she reassured him, saying she felt like he had been sent by God. She told him that just before he knocked, she had been about to end her life. His presence stopped her.
All she needed was someone to talk to. The guy later reflected on the experience, realizing how important it is to be kind to others. He walked away with a powerful lesson: “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
That story hit me hard. I’ve known friends who have taken their own lives. I’ve even considered it myself during my addiction days, when hope felt completely out of reach.
I used to believe that old saying—”Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” But I’ve come to realize that’s 100% false. Words can be far worse. Sometimes, I think the phrase should be changed to: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words often scar me.”
Physical wounds heal, but the scars left by hurtful words can linger for years. We carry those scars in our hearts, replaying them over and over. The wrong words at the wrong time can break someone in ways we don’t even realize. But the right words? They can lift, restore, and heal in ways that are just as powerful.
Lesson 1: Words Can Heal or Harm
What we often fail to realize is that we have no idea what someone else is going through at any given moment. Pain doesn’t always show on the outside. Everyone carries their own burdens, and people cope in different ways.
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24)
Sometimes, simply speaking kindly to someone can save a life. A gentle response, an encouraging word, or even just listening can be the difference between hope and despair. Our words hold immense power. Let’s use them to heal.
Lesson 2: Compassion Over Comparison
I see it all the time on social media. Someone shares their struggle, and inevitably, there’s a comment that says, “I went through the same thing, and I didn’t act like that.” It often comes from a place of pride—a way of saying, “I’m stronger than you.”
But here’s the truth: We are all built differently. One person’s pain threshold is another person’s breaking point.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Instead of comparing pain, let’s choose compassion. We don’t have to understand someone’s struggle to offer kindness.
Lesson 3: The Hidden Battles of Others
When I watch reels, I often read the comments. While some are encouraging, others can be downright cruel. I always wonder, What if the person in the video is at their breaking point? What if that one negative comment pushes them over the edge?
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18)
It costs nothing to be kind, but the impact of our words can be priceless. Every interaction is an opportunity to reflect God’s love and grace.
Lesson 4: Be a Voice of Light
Yes, we all go through dark times. But even in our pain, we can be a light for others. Social media can often amplify negativity, but it can also be a place of encouragement and hope.
Sometimes the ones lashing out the most are those who are hurting the deepest. Hurt people hurt people. Recognizing that truth doesn’t excuse bad behavior, but it can shift our perspective from anger to empathy.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
Reflection: Breaking the Cycle with Kindness
Online bullying has become far too common. Many people don’t realize the damage their words can cause. They think they’re just being honest, but often, pride is at the root. Bullying creates more bullying, and the cycle continues.
But what if we were bold enough to break that cycle? Imagine if more of us chose to respond with kindness, even when it feels undeserved. Sometimes the smallest gesture can plant a seed that grows into hope. A comment of encouragement, a heartfelt message, or even a simple “I see you, and you matter” can shift someone’s entire perspective.
Let’s remember that we are called to be vessels of love and healing. Our kindness might just be the knock on the door that someone desperately needs to hear.
Final Thought: A Call to Speak Life
As you go about your day, remember that your words can shape someone else’s life. Choose compassion. Be intentional with your words. Offer grace where judgment might feel easier.
Your small act of encouragement might be the light that pulls someone back from the edge. Let’s commit to being healers in a world that often feels too broken. You never know whose life you might save by simply choosing words that heal.
“Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29)
Let’s be the voice that reminds people of their worth, the light that guides them through the dark, and the hands that lift them when they fall.
Living a God-Inspired Life,
Chris