The Weight Of Our Words

Thursday, July 23, 2020
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

The Weight Of Our Words
Does it seem like anything goes now or is it just me? We have gotten a pass on many things this year because of COVID-19.  The tax deadline was moved, extra time was given to get auto registration renewed, and anything else with a deadline has pretty much been moved or the deadline taken away altogether.  In some cases, too many passes have been given and people have taken advantage.  Everyone has been on social media more often, and emotions have been high. This year has been weird for all of us. All the changes and uncertainty bring a load of stress to us, and then throw in some racial tensions, rioting, looting, and fear and things become volatile in a hurry. Words begin to fly without thought, and that is usually not a good thing. 

There are both good and bad things that have come out of this time. One disturbing thing that I see happening is a basic lack of respect for others in many ways, one of them by posting anything that we want to say – about issues or politics, or anything. There doesn’t seem to be any limits on what people will say without regard for other’s feelings, or the fact that if they are Christians, they represent Christ and the church to the world. We have become insensitive and to some extreme apathetic. Other times I see really incredible things happening – people coming together and building one another up. This is what we should be doing now. We need encouragement and hope. We need building up and we definitely need grace, and we need to be spreading these things to one another.

The world is so broken right now. People are hurting and afraid. We have no idea what the months ahead hold and we are desperate for a light in the darkness. As Christians, we can be a light in the darkness and since we are somewhat separated, one way we can spread light is with our words. 

The heart and the mouth are connected, therefore we have to take care of our hearts to make sure we bear good fruit, like kind and uplifting words. The Bible says For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. If our heart is filled with hate, anger, or bitterness, it will find its way out and usually it comes by mouth. Our words have power, either for good or evil and we be should giving more grace and helping to draw others closer to Christ. Satan is working against us, encouraging speech that will tear people down and destroy the work of Christ. 

The trouble with social media and texting is that it takes the personalization out of the message, and that takes the people out. When we aren’t speaking to someone in person, it is much easier to say things we would never say to their face. We can also be greatly misunderstood in text or posts. On social media, texting, or in person, we need to remember whose we are. We represent Jesus Christ and the church in all we say and do. Our words have the power to turn people away from the cross or cause them to decide that they don’t want to have anything to do with Christians or the church if we are the example of how Christians behave. Right now, everyone has strong feelings about the big issues. It is okay to keep our opinion to ourselves. 

We need to think before we post:

• Could this message be misunderstood?
• Could someone find this offensive?
• Will I misrepresent who I am in Christ by saying this in this way?

We have a responsibility to not cause others to stumble. Wrong words or words spoken in the wrong way can cause others to stumble. Really think about what you say. Be the hands and feet of Jesus and also share life giving words in the darkness of this world. 

I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle. Psalm 39:1