The Power of Words

I remember the racist words spoken to me and the many times I got beaten up in kindergarten just for having darker skin.  I remember specific times when people called me stupid and that I would fail, including teachers.

Words have the power to build up and destroy.  It's hard for me to recall specific words of encouragement than it is to remember words that tear me down.  Why is this?  It is the Devil working against me.  He wants me to forget that I'm chosen by God (Colossians 3:12).  He wants me to forget the extent to which Christ loves me (Ephesians 5:25).  He wants me to forget that God is my Provider (Matthew 6:25-34).  He wants me to forget that God is my strength and Protector (Psalm 18:2).  And he wants me to forget that I am God's child (1 John 3:1).

I may be unable to recall kind words people have said to me, but I call to mind what God says about me.  He says I am forgiven, loved beyond measure that He died for me, that I am not forsaken, no longer lost but found, and that I am redeemed of all my sins.  God's Word says all those things about me and more.  God's Word is so powerful that He created everything out of nothing.  And that same God loves me and died for me just so I can be in relationship with Him and be with Him rather than perishing in my sin.