**The Power of Words to Heal**
The Bible teaches us that words have the power to heal or inflict damage. In the book of Proverbs, we read that "a soothing tongue is a tree of life" (Proverbs 15:4), while "a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit" (Proverbs 15:4). Similarly, in the Gospel of John, Jesus says, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you" (John 15:7). This suggests that the right words can bring healing and restoration to a wounded heart.
**The Importance of Uncondemning Words**
Jesus taught us to have an uncondemning heart, and to use words that bring blessing and restoration. In Matthew 7:12, He says, "So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them." This means that we should speak words that uplift and encourage others, rather than tearing them down with our words. As Brooke notes, "Healing or inflict[ing] damage like a sword" (Matthew 12:18), our words can either bring joy or anxiety to others. When we choose to speak words that bring life and restoration, we are using our words to heal and uplift others.
**Praying for Healing and Restoration**
While our words have the power to heal or inflict damage, we are not always in control of the outcome. However, we can pray for healing and restoration, and ask God to use us as instruments of restoration. As we pray, we can ask God to give us words that will bring life and healing to others, and to help us understand and have words to say that will bring restoration. We can also ask God to heal and deliver us, so that we can be used by Him to bring healing and restoration to others. By praying in this way, we can experience the power of God's love and healing in our lives, and use our words to bring life and restoration to those around us. As we seek to be instruments of restoration, we can ask God to teach us how to love the way He loves, and to walk in righteousness, even when we face struggles and challenges. Ultimately, our words have the power to heal or inflict damage, but with God's help, we can choose to use our words to bring life and restoration to others.