Sticks and Stones
“The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.” -Isaiah 50:4a
LENT DEVOTIONS
Pastor Kyle Wangelin
3/30/2026
The tongue is a powerful tool. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” has been a popular phrase since the 19th century. The intent behind the phrase is to build tolerance towards verbal bullying, but the fact of the matter is that words often cut deeper than physical pain.
But the Lord gives us the tongue of those who are taught, that we may sustain others. Even if the others are the people who verbally and physically bully us. This may be the most difficult task that God gives us, to restore those who reject us. Yet, it is He who gives us the tongue to speak words of forgiveness, grace, mercy, and love to those around us, that we may sustain them in the truth of who Jesus is.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help us to endure the troubles that we experience in this world. Be with those who oppose us, and even harm us, that they may see your light. Help us to forgive them, and speak your truth to them with sincerity, patience, and love. In Your precious name, Amen.
