Matthew 12: 36-37 (NASB) “And I say to you, that every
careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day
of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you
shall be condemned.
This week, I am sharing in the encouragement with my friend
Linda, as she launches her 2nd blog,
“Celebrate Your Voice,”* a blog where she plans on speaking to the things
that concern her in this highly volatile, political and socio-economic dynamic within our country. She reminds us that we all have a voice and to not take
that responsibility lightly, but to further explore how we are best gifted to
use our words in a positive and helpful manner, wherever God directs us.
In my Special Ed English class today, the kids got in groups
and played a card game called Quiddler. The idea, similar to Scrabble except with cards, is to make short words from the cards
you’ve been dealt and not have any remaining cards left in your hand. Points are
added for words and subtracted for letters not used. There are piles to choose from; letters you
can see in a discard pile and and letters that are hidden
In that same class today, one special student came in from
lunch very sad. With big tears rolling down his cheeks, he told us that a
friend spoke harsh words that upset him.
"They said, ‘go away
from me’ and it hurt my feelings."
The three of us adult teachers in the room consoled and
encouraged this sensitive young man as well as other classmates.
Words challenge
Words teach
Words hurt.
Words boast
Words love
Words divide
Words heal
In the book of James in the New Testament, the writer compares the tongue to a ship’s
rudder. Though the ship is great, a small rudder directed by the captain
determines its course. He also reminds us that from our mouths we both bless
and curse.
Like the card game, there are two choices of words : those we know will cause trouble, dissention,
bitterness, a loss, a tarnished reputation—either ours or someone else’s
OR
the pile, that when we lay down our hand, encourages,
redeems, forgives, compliments, inspires, and gives hope.
Let’s take it one step further, play another hand. God hears
the words we put together in our heart. The thing is, He wants you to play your
hand. Lay down the words of doubt, fear, the anxiety-laden, heart-breaking
words, in a prayer. If you don’t, those
words turn into bitterness that subtract from your progress towards
transforming joy. Let God take the ugly words and discard them.
Father God, I am most thankful for Your Word, words of peace,
of hope, words of purpose, words that teach, and words that bring forth
unconditional love. Lord, many times my words sting, cut, rebel, complain. Sometimes I
can’t finish a sentence because I’m not trusting. Protect me Lord from the fiery arrows of the
deceiver, the one whose words wish to destroy, but instead Lord, fill me with
more words that delight you, bring you glory and whose utterance defines
eternity for those searching for a voice. Amen.
