Words are such simple little things, aren’t they? For most people, the ability to speak comes early in life, and is part of our everyday routine. It’s a part of functioning in life that we too often take for granted, until something happens to limit us in our ability to communicate. But rather than just being sound waves sent from one person to another, words are emissaries of the heart, of that which comes from within us, and have tremendous power, not only over our lives, but the lives of those who hear us. As James reminds us, “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” (James 3:5).
Sometimes words are spoken to deceive, calculated to get a specific, selfish response from others. For example, people often use the word “love” when “lust” is the true motive, and once the desired end is reached, the words change and can become harsh and cruel instead. Compliments can often be served up to get someone else to do another’s desires, to do what the one offering the compliments should do, and to keep one distanced from the situation, in case trouble arises. I have seen preachers take a stand for what was right, only to have those who encouraged him initially turn against him when the going got tough. The writer of Proverbs reminds us, “Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put devious speech far from you” (4:24).
Sometimes words can be spoken harshly, in ways calculated to hurt and penetrate to the inmost part of another. I am amazed at how more and more people just say whatever they want anymore, without any consideration to the feelings of others, people they may not even personally know! It’s easy to criticize and condemn, and can make one feel big by verbally making others feel small. I am also amazed at how people who do this sort of thing are always taken aback and have their feelings hurt when someone speaks to them in like manner. Perhaps that should be thought about before any words are spoken by anyone to anyone. Paul tells us, “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (Col. 4:6).
To speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) means we not only are to be truthful in the proclamation of the gospel, but also in how we speak with others as people of truth, representatives of the gospel of Christ. If you listen to people long enough, you can discern by their speech what are the matters of their heart, because the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart (Luke 6:45). What is it others hear when we speak? By listening long enough, what do they learn about the “real” us on the inside, not the façade we’ve erected for others to see? Maybe we should look inside first, and make sure our words reflect Christ in us. “The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:35-37).
Robert
