The Difference Words Can Make
"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." (Proverbs 16:24 NIV)
As I mentioned yesterday, the uncertainty regarding the effects of the pandemic has caused quite a bit of tension and frustration, which has meant a rise in expressing of hurtful thoughts and opinions, both in social media and in the public sphere. Since this uncertainty seems to be continuing, perhaps this is a call from God for us to engage in serious self-examination, and ask ourselves if how we express ourselves, especially our opinions, truly reflects what our calling as followers of Jesus and believers in God really is.
Having opinions is unavoidable. We all have thoughts and opinions on various events and issues that are present nowadays. What is necessary, however, is to consider how we choose to express our thoughts and opinions, or not express them at all. What is also necessary is to consider what the effect of our words might be - whether they would hurt, wound, and offend, or whether would bring peace, healing, calm, and support. We ought to consider whether we intend for our words to tear down with spite and venom, or whether our words would uplift with kindness and sweetness. On social media, we also ought to consider whether what we say online is truly what we would say to someone in person, especially someone we do know personally. We ought to consider what effect our words might have on our relationship with someone in the long term, for words can never be forgotten - especially hurtful, hateful words. One simple word spoken out of spite can damage, or even completely ruin, a relationship. Therefore, we ought to consider what effects our words might have on our relationships.
We always ought to remember that we have a special calling: to be God's representatives, and reflect His character. His character is to be gracious, understanding, patient, kind, and loving; therefore, we reflect this as well. Before we respond, we are to attempt to listen with patience, seeking understanding, and then choose how to respond - or even choose not to respond at all. God seeks to heal and reassure, therefore we ought to seek to heal and reassure by our words. God is supportive, and is always with us, therefore our words ought not to tear down and alienate, but instead to support and assure others that we are on their side and are with them at all times. In every situation, we represent God - we are to bring His comfort, peace, love, kindness, and assurance to every person in every situation. And we do so best by our words, and how we express ourselves to others.
Whatever our thoughts and opinions on anything might be, our response is to reflect who God is, and how He would want us to treat others in any situation. How we treat others is both a reflection on how we believe God treats others, and influences others on their own view of God. If our words are spiteful and hateful, then that means that we believe God is spiteful and hateful - and others would believe God is spiteful and hateful as well. If our words are filled with cruelty and intolerance, then that means we believe God is cruel and intolerant, and others will as well. To do so is to set up a false image of God, and therefore to break the First Commandment. Furthermore, we ought to speak the truth about others, and refrain from spreading falsehood, even about those with whom we may have variance of opinion. More about that tomorrow.
Dear God, help me to speak gracious, loving words to all people, so that all people may experience your love and grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
As I mentioned yesterday, the uncertainty regarding the effects of the pandemic has caused quite a bit of tension and frustration, which has meant a rise in expressing of hurtful thoughts and opinions, both in social media and in the public sphere. Since this uncertainty seems to be continuing, perhaps this is a call from God for us to engage in serious self-examination, and ask ourselves if how we express ourselves, especially our opinions, truly reflects what our calling as followers of Jesus and believers in God really is.
Having opinions is unavoidable. We all have thoughts and opinions on various events and issues that are present nowadays. What is necessary, however, is to consider how we choose to express our thoughts and opinions, or not express them at all. What is also necessary is to consider what the effect of our words might be - whether they would hurt, wound, and offend, or whether would bring peace, healing, calm, and support. We ought to consider whether we intend for our words to tear down with spite and venom, or whether our words would uplift with kindness and sweetness. On social media, we also ought to consider whether what we say online is truly what we would say to someone in person, especially someone we do know personally. We ought to consider what effect our words might have on our relationship with someone in the long term, for words can never be forgotten - especially hurtful, hateful words. One simple word spoken out of spite can damage, or even completely ruin, a relationship. Therefore, we ought to consider what effects our words might have on our relationships.
We always ought to remember that we have a special calling: to be God's representatives, and reflect His character. His character is to be gracious, understanding, patient, kind, and loving; therefore, we reflect this as well. Before we respond, we are to attempt to listen with patience, seeking understanding, and then choose how to respond - or even choose not to respond at all. God seeks to heal and reassure, therefore we ought to seek to heal and reassure by our words. God is supportive, and is always with us, therefore our words ought not to tear down and alienate, but instead to support and assure others that we are on their side and are with them at all times. In every situation, we represent God - we are to bring His comfort, peace, love, kindness, and assurance to every person in every situation. And we do so best by our words, and how we express ourselves to others.
Whatever our thoughts and opinions on anything might be, our response is to reflect who God is, and how He would want us to treat others in any situation. How we treat others is both a reflection on how we believe God treats others, and influences others on their own view of God. If our words are spiteful and hateful, then that means that we believe God is spiteful and hateful - and others would believe God is spiteful and hateful as well. If our words are filled with cruelty and intolerance, then that means we believe God is cruel and intolerant, and others will as well. To do so is to set up a false image of God, and therefore to break the First Commandment. Furthermore, we ought to speak the truth about others, and refrain from spreading falsehood, even about those with whom we may have variance of opinion. More about that tomorrow.
Dear God, help me to speak gracious, loving words to all people, so that all people may experience your love and grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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