Words
When this pandemic first started, I noticed a softening of the words expressed online from people of different views. There was more of “we’re in this thing together” and “they’re doing their best under the ever-changing circumstances.” Someone wrote, “the knives have been put away” between different political leaders.
That time seems to be over. I see a return to attacks, name-calling and blaming. I am not advocating no accountability. The knives have come back out. I am appealing for respectful dialogue and discussion. How easy it is to slide back into old habits.
Consider Psalm 59:7. David writes “See what they spew from their mouths – the words from their lips are sharp as swords, and they think, ‘Who can hear us?’”
Or Matthew 12:36-37 – Jesus – “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.”
My devotional this morning said this:
Unlike in writing letters, we send emails and text messages off without weighing them. Unlike in face to face confrontation, we blurt things out without fear of seeing the hurt or anger in the other person’s face. Because of this anonymity, we think no one can identify us. Words are thus more weaponized now than in David’s day. But every word – even an offhanded careless one (Matthew 12:36) – is in an indicator of what is in the heart (Matthew 12:34). It will be judged by God. More often than ever we are saying “I didn’t really mean what I said.” But you did. Watch and control words to know and shape your heart (James 3:1-12). (Tim Keller – Songs of Jesus – May 5 – Psalm 59:1-7).
Friends, it’s okay to disagree. It comes with being human. Yet if we’re Christians, we especially have a responsibility to take care with our words. We need the Holy Spirit to empower to speak words of life, hope, truth and invitation.
“Lord, I know that I can react initially to some post or statement or article with an ill thought through verbal blast. Help me to filter my words through Your eyes and Spirit. You spoke truth in love to us. Empower us to speak the same to others.”