Words as Messenger

Matthew 24:35 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

As Christians, we believe that Jesus is God, and Genesis tells us that God spoke a word and created the world. The point is not to take that literally, but rather to remember that God’s word is creative. God’s creative word will never pass away. God is still speaking and creating new things.

Our words are also creative. It is one of the ways that human beings are made in the image of God. As messengers of our thoughts, our words can create flourishing of life or destruction and death. In the US, words have been very destructive these last few years. We see how Donald’s words and Republican policies (words) have harmed immigrants and poor people not only physically, but emotionally and economically as well. 

Because our words have creative and destructive power, it’s our responsibility to choose them wisely. We often don’t. We’re all guilty of hurting another person with our words, intentionally or otherwise. The tensions brewing in the US and the anxiety and fear they create make it difficult for us to bite our tongues. Yet, we should call out white supremacy, hatred, and racism for what they are; hopefully without attacking people personally. Calling out the destructive action rather than the person. Many won’t hear no matter how we call them out; however, by not adding to the anger in our hearts or the world, we make it a better place. We are called to resist with love – as much as we can muster.

This isn’t easy for anyone. It requires a lot of prayer, mediation, love, and working through our own anger. It’s even more difficult because Republicans pretend to be sensitive to every accusation. However, integrity demands that we speak our creative words without worrying about the false feelings of others. That’s why we need love.

William James wrote, “If you can change your mind, you can change your life.” Let’s ask ourselves whether our words, as messengers of our thoughts and hearts, are destructive or creative. Ask why. If we’re angry, how can we let that go. If we’re sad, how to grieve and still speak our truth. Ask how we can speak more creatively. Let’s speak words that lead to the flourishing of all.

B