Heart Detox #8: Healing from Verbal Abuse
Opening: Undealt abuse begets abuse.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” (Proverb 18:21)
1. VERBAL ABUSE IS LIKE A KNIFE TO OUR HEARTS.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (v.29)
Characteristics of verbal abuse
Loss of self-worth
Loss of self-confidence
Loss of faith, happiness, freedom, inner peace, trust, friendship
Verbal Brainwashing
Intimidation, Degrading, Labeling
“For they do not speak peace but against those who are quiet in the land they devise words of deceit.” (Psalm 35:20)
2. TURNING AWAY FROM THE PATH OF ABUSE.
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you along with all malice.” (v.31)
The Path of Abusers
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (v.30)
From Wrong beliefs to Right beliefs
3. PROTECTING OURSELVES FROM VERBAL ABUSE.
a. Facing the problem
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you along with all malice.” (v.31)
b. Creating boundary
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth.” (v.29a)
Externalizing vs. Internalizing
c. Praying for God’s perspective
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (v.32)
Closing: Our calling is to live out the peace of Christ.