The
Power of Words
By Karen D’Amore
“The tongue has the power of life and death…”
Proverbs
18:21 (NIV, emphasis added)
Stunned,
I sat motionless. My heart welled within my throat and battled the impulse to
vomit. Tears choked in a struggle with suppression…but eventually gave way to
sobbing. Rendered speechless, I recoiled, silently retreating to a protective
place of isolation. As that childhood jingle harmonized in my head, I became
incensed by its falsehood: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can
never hurt me!” SO WRONG!!!
Expended
like fiery darts, those harsh, cutting words pierced my heart. It’s been years
since those powerful words crushed my spirit. Yet when brought to remembrance, those
old wounds become fresh. Though the power of forgiveness has loosed me from the
paralyzing effects of those hurtful words, in moments of vulnerability, those
crushing words rise to the surface and re-play themselves in my mind.
Sadly,
even after experiencing the heart-altering effects of wounding words, I’m no
more faultless at spewing thoughtless, hurtful words myself. Though the pain
I’ve experienced heightens my awareness and consciousness in controlling my
tongue, emotions have been known to over-power me. When guided by anger,
frustration or emotions, words are likely to be spewed…and spewed words are
rarely kind or sweet.
A
popular contemporary Christian song by Hawk Nelson, serves as a powerful
reminder:
“Words
can build you up…words can break you down. Start a fire in your heart or put it
out.
Let
my words be life. Let my words be
truth. I don’t wanna say a word…Unless it points the world back to You [Jesus].”
[1]
Words…are
loaded with power! They have the ability to bring laughter and joy, teaching
and instruction, encouragement and comfort. When used appropriately, words have
life-giving power. Yet when used to mock, belittle, embarrass, deceive and tear
down, words hold the power to destroy. Because words have the power to change
lives (some for the better and others for worse), it’s imperative we THINK before we speak. Better yet, when
in delicate situations, we - - as believers - - should pray before we speak!
As
Christ-followers, we must choose our words carefully, remembering our number
one priority should be to build up the Kingdom of God...not tear it down. Being
mindful of the power of the tongue, may we pause before we speak and ask
ourselves truths that I recently saw on a mug:
T – is it True?
H – is it Helpful?
I – is it Inspiring?
N – is it Necessary?
K – is it Kind?
And
most importantly…may we choose life-giving words that point others to Jesus!
GOING DEEPER:
1.
Have your careless words wounded another? Seek forgiveness and be reconciled.
FURTHER READING:
Married
to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at
Craig Berns Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s
on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.
