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:
- 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 a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility.