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“I take it back!” 

Have you ever heard that before? Have you ever said it yourself? Be honest. 

We have all likely uttered those words a time or two in our lives. It is all too easy to say words in the heat of passion we later come to regret. It only takes a few moments for a hurtful or untrue word to leave our lips, but the impact of those words can be felt for an eternity. Unfortunately, spoken words cannot be unsaid. Nobody possesses the power to turn back time and take away the words they have spoken. 

Thankfully, there are some helpful steps we take with such words. For instance, we can acknowledge our hurtful words. We can and should be willing to accept correction, hear the other’s point of view and accept responsibility for our words and actions. Additionally, we can apologize for any hurtful words. We can open up our hearts and seek forgiveness. We should never be too proud to apologize. Furthermore, we can learn from our hurtful words. Blundering with our words ought to challenge each of us to be more thoughtful of the words we say and more considerate of the feelings of others. 

You see, we cannot take back the words we have spoken. Yet the good news is that our words also have the power to heal. Our words do not have to cause any further harm. The same tongue that can hurt also has the power to heal. Perhaps you’ve said some words that should have been left unspoken. 

Friend, what steps will you take today to heal, mend, and restore? As Jesus once said, “for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37 ESV).

Brandon Baggett is preaching minister at Luverne Church of Christ.