#WTLB was the sermon title this morning at church. I can honestly say, I felt the Holy Spirit lead me to be present to hear this message. To explain, WTLB = Words To Life By. The presenter reminded everyone that our words make a difference in life whether good or bad. I have personally had conversations with friends and even co-workers detailing my efforts in trying to be very intentional with the words I choose to use, most especially during times of stress and duress on the job and in my personal life. I am not proud of some of my choices and often my words spew out too freely and uncensored. It is at these times, not only do I cause uneasiness of those around me, myself for being foolish and the worst part of all I am not representing my Savior. Our words hold the power to comfort or to cause great pain, our words can lift others up or to tear them down. Even the tone of our voices, the way we use our body language when delivering our words can and do have lasting effects on those caught in our web of destruction. I am in no way shape or form close to being perfect, I am sinful; although it is true we are born into sin and a sinful nature we can choose to bridle our tongues and guard them from causing shame to ourselves but more importantly our Father, God. God has never requested perfection from His children; He knows that is not possible. But it is possible to be in relationship with God because Jesus paid the price for our sins. Jesus left Heaven, He left His Father, and He chose to be born and to become human all because He loved us. His love is greater than all our sins. Jesus used His words to teach, to comfort, to heal, for trust, encouragement and always delivered His words for God’s Will and purpose. The Bible is full of words, as I read the Bible, whether New or Old Testament I am confident that God in speaking to me through the many writers that contributed to its writing. It’s God’s book of instructions to us, a love letter and a life letter to everyone and anyone who accept His gift of eternal life. “Words” do the words you use during your day hold meaning for you? Are you aware of your words in your “tweets,” “emails,” “Instagram” “text messages”… there’s an endless list of ways we use our words. What is the purpose and goals we hope to accomplish when using specific words? We all have the power to change someone’s outlook simply by the words we use. Paradoxically, even when we think we are sharing good words, they too can be misunderstood for instance most people who text message know what the acronym (lol) means “laugh out loud.” To paraphrase my Pastor from this morning’s sermon, a mom sends a message to relatives about a death in the family and adds “lol” at the end of her message. The daughter of the mom who sent the messages calls and ask, why did you say “lol” and do you know what it mean? The mom replies, “lots of love,” the daughter replies, and no it means “laugh out loud.” I’m hopeful that everyone was able to see this as a miscommunication and hopeful realized it was sent with love. It is very easy to see how words and their intended meaning can make a huge difference not merely in our lives but in the lives of everyone we interact with, this is most especially important now more than ever as we try communicating using 140 characters or less and/or our use of acronyms. Even with the best of intentions, words can be misunderstood given all the many modes of communication available to us today. I am seeking to share truthfully, with sincerity, as clearly as possible with all I have the opportunity to do so, I encourage you to try it as well, it’s a win-win scenario. May God, the Father bless you, the Holy Spirit guide you and the love of Jesus always cover you.
~Blessings and Peace~
References:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” ~ Proverbs 18:21
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. “ ~Psalm 19:14
“Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” ~Proverbs 12:18
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” ~Proverbs 15:1
“But now you must get rid of all such things—anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth.” ~Colossians 3:8
“Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” ~Hebrews 4:12
“If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless.” ~James 1:26
“Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives; those who open wide their lips come to ruin.” ~Proverbs 13:3
“I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” ~Matthew 12:37
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” ~Romans 12:14
“For those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit; let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it. ~1 Peter 3:10-11
HOPE SEEKER 