Did you grow up, as I did, in the era of "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me"? We all knew that was a lie, didn't we? Words are powerful. They can heal and they can hurt.
God's Word has a lot to say about the power of the tongue (feel free to substitute pen, keyboard, or whatever other tool you may use to express yourself). Here's just a sprinkling:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21
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
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. Jesus speaking in Matthew 12:36-37
But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8
I could go on, but we might be here all day.
Is it just me, or have you also noticed something over the last fourteen or so months of Covid-19? As if people weren't already verging on rage, they seem to be giving even more vent to their thoughts and opinions. There seems to be more taking of sides: approval or disapproval of shutdowns, social distancing, mask wearing, hand washing; inclination or disinclination to take the vaccine; belief or disbelief that our civil liberties are at stake. And while I have no statistics to back me up, it seems that often the loudest voices belong to those who identify with Christ. Unfortunately, they're not always kind voices.
Last week I read that according to polls, those in the white evangelical community are least likely to get the vaccine. This group is so large that there is a risk that herd immunity may not be achievable. I read also that Franklin Graham and his wife chose to get the vaccine and when I looked at Franklin's Facebook post regarding same, many of the comments were shocking, with one person labelling him a "Satanic sellout." Wait - what?
Our words affect our testimony. What do people who don't know Jesus think when they hear the things we are saying to one another? Are we attracting them to Him, or repelling them from Him? Who would want to be part of such an infighting group? What unbeliever can so focus his or her attention on Jesus and God's Word that s/he isn't thwarted by those who claim to follow Him but act in such unchristian ways?
God help us.
Just before Jesus was betrayed by Judas, He prayed this for the church:
I am not asking on behalf of these alone, but also for those who believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17:20-21(emphasis mine)
Wasn't it Jesus who also said the second greatest commandment was to "love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:39)?
Today He must weep over our disunity and apparent lack of love.
Please hear what I'm not saying: I'm not saying that there are no true representatives of Christ left on the face of the earth. I'm not saying that everyone who calls themselves Christian is unloving or unChrist-like. I'm not saying we aren't counted among the helpers or among those who care for others.
I'm suggesting that we all do a heart check.
Proverbs 12:18 says,
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 15:28 adds,
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
Our world is sick. People made in God's image are sick and dying, physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. Let's not contribute to the ills. Regardless of what "side" you may take on the restrictions imposed by the virus or regarding the vaccine, remember this before you speak, type, write:
THINK
- Is it true? There is so much information and so many "experts" out there, it can be difficult to decipher the facts.
- Is it helpful?
- Is it inspiring?
- Is it necessary?
- Is it kind? Does it represent Christ well? Am I being salt and light?
As I was reading David Guzik's commentaries on 2 Samuel 15 and 16 this week, I came across these quotes:
Divisive people almost never see themselves as divisive. They see themselves as crusaders for God's righteous cause and often believe or hope God's hand is upon them. This is especially a problem when many will only believe a person is divisive if they were to admit they are divisive.
God's grace. We all need it. Words are powerful - let's be mindful of ours.If you can revenge yourself, DON'T. If you could do it as easily as open your hand, keep it shut. If one bitter word could end the argument, ask for grace to spare that bitter word. Charles Spurgeon
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You can find out more
about Susan Barclay's writing at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com
Thank you Susan! What wise words!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandi. I pray many will read and take them to heart.
DeleteWow. Thank you for this hard hitting and honest post. It needs to be said, and yes, I have noticed (and been ashamed at times) of the fact that so many Christians are displaying very unChrist-like behaviour these days. Your advice and the scriptures you use is so timely and also spoken without condemnation but simple truth. Thank you again!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tracy. I hope those who need to apply these words will read and take them in the spirit with which they were written.
DeleteYour post is right on, Sandi. Thank you for putting into words what many of us have been thinking. This could be useful to a wider readership, if possible.
ReplyDeleteMy apologies, Susan, for calling you Sandi! The post won't let me make a correction, so this will have to do.
DeleteThanks, Valerie. 😊 I'd be happy for this to be reprinted for a wider audience if someone wants to reach out to me. 🙏🏻
DeleteAh the wonders of technology. You don't need a gun to shoot off your mouth. :-) But seriously, we should be more graceful when stating our opinions. And calling people names which don't describe their conduct is stupid. I hate it when people call others "Nazis" or "racists" when they're neither. It cheapens the impact of those words. It's like swearing where people use those words so casually that they lose their shock value. Let's buck the trend by merely stating our position rather than calling names.
ReplyDelete"Let's buck the trend by merely stating our position rather than calling names." Yes - that's it exactly! Wouldn't the world be a much friendlier place if we discussed issues respectfully? In as much as it is up to us, we're to be at peace with all people! (Romans 12:18)
DeleteThank-you for this insightful post. I am a Louise Penny fan, her main character often has 3 things to think before speaking-(similar to your list of 5) 1.-Is it true? 2. Is it kind? 3. Does it need to be said? Perhaps the wars of words would lessen with these restraints in place.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Jocelyn. We can only hope that leading by example will be effective. At least if we THINK before we speak, we won't be contributing to the problem...
DeleteGood reminder here and Powerful scriptures! Most of the Christians I know are being very kind with their words, and some are being silent, which I think is even more challenging.
ReplyDeletePam M.
That's encouraging to hear, Pam! May others take their cue from such as these.
DeleteI feel like you have been rummaging around in my brain, Susan! Thanks for this thought provoking post. May we most often be slow to speak and to choose our words to edify and not tear down. I listened to a program recently that talked about the tendency for people to slam things and find fault everywhere to the point of being fashionable. A trend that needs to change.
ReplyDelete