Words matter. What you say, what you write, what you post on social media — it all matters. So … how are your words affecting others?
Do you leave them with a smile, a frown or a look of consternation? Have you made someone angry with your words? Have you lashed out in anger with your words, slicing through someone like a knife? Matthew 12:36-37 reads, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
The Bible speaks often about words. Scripture describes for us the importance of words. “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (Proverbs 15:1).
Think of compliments; think of criticism. Which would you rather hear? A compliment can make the world a little happier for another.
We should always choose joy and fill our mouths with joyous words.
Now let’s talk about social media. What do you post? What are your reactions to posts you do not agree with? How do political posts affect you? How about those atheists who post how much they do not believe in God? Does it anger you? Do you post in anger, or do you let slide?
Do you feel a righteous indignation when someone discounts God? Or do you simply shrug it off and say, “Well, they have a right to believe whatever they choose.” What about Satanic worship? Words matter. Social media words are there forever.
I remember a time when I was a new believer and my pastor was not always supportive. Well, really, I don’t ever remember him being supportive.
I was 16 years old and attended church alone … because I loved the youth group. I couldn’t tell you a word that pastor preached, except one sentence: the sentence when he pointed his finger at me and denounced me for missing church, accusing me of thinking my bed was more important than the Lord.
He wasn’t concerned enough to ask why I missed church. He assumed I simply wanted to sleep in.
Words matter. Fifty years later, words matter.
A kind word can save a life, can truly be life-changing to one who so desperately needs one. A simple smile or a hello can make someone’s day a little brighter.
Remember the power of words and their impact on those who hear them. Think twice before making a negative comment. Instead find a way to encourage each person you meet.
Scripture instructs us to build one another up with our words. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Your words can hold the power to breathe life into another. Words can be a weapon or a tool. Which are yours?
The Rev. Marianne Nichols is pastor of Charlottesville United Methodist Church. This weekly column is written by local clergy members.
