Words matter
Hello.
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. The trouble is words can hurt. Over the last week, words were projected on Big Ben that many regarded as antisemitic, a Conservative MP made comments about the London Mayor that many regarded as Islamophobic, and a manager of a Scottish football team spoke to a female reporter in a way that many regarded as patronising and condescending.
Words matter, and the Bible warns us that, ‘There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts’ (Proverbs 12:18 ESVUK) and that the tongue can set a forest on fire (James 3:5). However, the Bible also tells us that the tongue, as well as having the power of death, also has the power of life (Proverbs 18:21) and ‘the tongue of the wise brings healing.’ (Proverbs 12:18).
As Christians, our words should bring healing and life, certainly by being careful and considerate in how we use words, but ultimately by pointing to the only one who can heal all hurts and bring true life: The Lord Jesus Christ. As we use words to share the good news about Jesus, our mouths will be fountains of life to a hurting and dying world. (Proverbs 10:11), our words will be ‘like apples of gold in a setting of silver’ (Proverbs 25:11) and will be pleasing to God.
Let’s be people whose mouths are full of healing and life.
In Christian love,
Barry Robinson
About the Writer:
Barry Robinson is a Regional Pastor for Southern England, the Midlands and Wales