Superficial Wounds, Deep Scars
by Shae Cooke

Published by:  Cup of Comfort Devotional, Daily Reminders of God's Love and Grace

"Gentle words bring life and health;
a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4

"Mom!" yelled my (then) six-year-old son. "The paper cut me, get a bandage--quick . . . it stings!" I surveyed the finger but all I saw was a tiny cut. His pain seemed out of proportion to the injury.
"Owwwwwwwies, make the hurt stop, Mommy!" I washed his hand under cold water, gave it the mandatory mommy kiss, and dried his tears.
Shallow paper cuts on fingers often hurt worse than deeper ones because the hand has numerous nerve endings close to the skin's surface. Small, thoughtless remarks are just like paper cuts. Although they may seem superficial, they can cause much pain, especially to children and loved ones who trust us to be kind. Words are powerful. They can either cut like a sharp razor or act as a salve to a wounded spirit.
We have to put our brains and hearts in gear before putting our tongues in action. the wrong words produce deep scars--kind ones heal and encourage.

Kind words heal and encourage