Hard to Imagine

I've just started Adam Hamilton's book, "Half Truths." It is a study of the simple phrases that sound Christian, and may capture some element of truth (or may not), but are not actually scriptural in that they miss the point.

In the Introduction, he says:

Here's why it's important to examine these particular half truths: I think they can sometimes hurt people.  i think they can lead people to conclusions about God that not only are untrue but that may push some people away from God. Some of these half truths are used to avoid careful thinking about complex issues. Some are used to justify our own biases or prejudices. Some, when spoken to others, can bring pain.

What do you think? I think that sometimes, when we say a phrase like, "Everything happens for a reason," or "God won't give you more than you can handle," we are trying (at the very least) to be comforting. Sometimes we are trying to find words to say in a situation where there are no words to say. 

Do we imagine that what we say could have the impact that Hamilton talks about. I think our words do have a mighty impact that we can't (or don't) consider - or expect. We don't intent to hurt people, and we never imagine that we are. And yet, and I do agree with Hamilton, we do.