“Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are that man!” (2 Samuel 12:7a NLT)
Think of the words that have shaped and/or broken you. Words like: “I hate you! I wish I’d never met you!” “You’re worthless! I hope I never have to have contact with you ever again!” Think of the emotions those kinds of words have had or are having on you. But, on the other hand, think of words like: “I love you; I can’t imagine life without you!” “Thank you for the tremendous contribution you’ve made to my life.” “I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t met you.”
We never know when a simple “Thank you” or “I really appreciate your kindness/thoughtfulness” will mean to someone. I used to think there was a class that all old people were required to attend in order to be trained how to be slow…then I got old! There’s nothing that can prepare us for the uncertainty of the future, so, it’s nice when someone shows us kindness.
While in line at the drug store recently I was waiting while an elderly woman was checking out. She must have been trying to use some kind of government issued card, I’m not sure. But she kept swiping it and the cashier, with increasing frustration, kept telling her, “It’s not going through!”
Finally, without recourse, she apologized and told the cashier she wouldn’t be able to take the items she’d selected and prepared to leave. But to everyone’s amazement, the person right behind her told the clerk, “Put her things on my bill.” Those few words lifted a load, raised spirits, and transformed what might have been a very embarrassing and discouraging moment into a very joy-filled and encouraging occasion. Even the cashier was smiling, and I was about to cry. 😊
How we use words will shape us and mold us into people of God or people of the world; people who build up or tear down; people who encourage or people who discourage. And sometimes it’s not even the words we use, but the tone with which we speak them. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 15:2: “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.” Then in 18:21 he writes: “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” The obvious implication in verse 21 is the one who loves to speak gossip or to use words deceitfully.
R. Kent Hughes made the chilling observation: “Words do not dissolve mere organs and nerves, but souls!” With our words we can point people to life or death, heaven or hell, good or evil, right or wrong, salvation or destruction. Where are your words pointing you? Others? Are your words wholesome, uplifting, encouraging, life-giving, and life-sustaining?
Remember the words of Jesus in John 15:7: “But if you remain in Me and My words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” Another word for “remain” is “abide.” Another way of thinking of this is: If we allow Jesus’ words to dwell within us – in our mind, our heart, our spirit. If we allow His holy presence to seep into every fiber of our being, bringing to our remembrance His words of life that sustain and strengthen us, we can then pass them on to others who need encouragement.
Each word can have power. Think of Jesus’ words when He invited Lazarus to return to life from death. He didn’t preach a lengthy discourse. He simply said: “Lazarus, come out!” Perhaps rather than a “sermon,” we can invite someone to Jesus with simple words: “Friend, I love you too much to let you live another moment without Jesus. Please, come to Him now!”
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 