Here's the old saying: "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me."
Really? Let's not fool ourselves.
Words are toxic. Words are potent. Our words can transfer ideas. How many adults are there who have been told in their childhood that "you are stupid and wouldn't amount to anything" and those words have affected them throughout their lives?
Words can hurt us. Recently the singer, Mariah Carey, said in an interview that one negative word or criticism will negate a thousand praises given to her. Words can wound and steal life. Gossip, slander, false testimony use words to malign the reputation of others.
Words of condemnation and sarcasm create pain as they shame and belittle others. On the other hand, there are healing words (Proverbs 12:18). Words of praise, encouragement and comfort have a healing power. Marriages become better when spouses verbalize the best in each other. A gentle word turns away wrath and stops the cycle of evil (Proverb 15:1).
The question is:how can we transform our toxic words into healing words?
It begins by identifying the source of our words: "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). It is Jesus alone who can effect transformation of the heart. Hearts yielded to Jesus will inevitably yield the fruits of love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, goodness, patience and healing words.
Why not make somebody's life beautiful today by saying a kind word or by doing a good deed?
•••
Editor's note: The Rev. Dr. Scott Stewart is the pastor of Pea Ridge United Methodist Church and Brightwater Methodist Church. The opinions expressed are those of the writer. He can be contacted at [email protected] or 479-659-9519.
Religion on 07/17/2019