I have always been fascinated by the power of words. Have you ever been hurt, or blessed, by someone's words? I know I have. Words can wound, or heal. They can uplift or tear down. They explain, describe, and instruct. How would we communicate if not for words? Even sign language has to spell out some words. We think and dream in words. No matter what our native language, we are always using words in one form or another. We speak, think, read, and touch each other with our words.
Why do you suppose that the Bible and Jesus are called "The Word?" Holy Scripture describes itself this way: "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV). In the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verses 1-3 it says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made."
In the first chapter of Genesis, everything that was created came into being because, "God said." We are told over and over in Scripture to "speak" or to "say" and things will happen. For instance, in Matthew 17:20, it is recorded: "...If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." Now that's powerful!
We are also cautioned to be careful of what we say, the words that we use, because we will be held accountable. Matthew 12:36 warns: "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment." That's very sobering.
In Luke 6:45 we are told, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."
All of these Scriptures and many more comment on the use of our words. I, for one, want what I say to be uplifting, edifying, and blessing. What about you?
Heard recently: The Gospel isn't about making bad men good, but it takes dead men and makes them alive!
Announcement: My first Christian novel, a romantic mystery, is at the publisher! I'll let you know when it is out and where you may find it if you so desire. How fun!
Comments welcome.
