Monday, February 16, 2004
WORDS, WORDS, WORDS
I have been thinking about this subject for over a month. The thought process began when I received a wonderful email from one of the best friends God has ever allowed me to have. Over a month ago I was struggling with temptation in an area I have struggled for many years. Because of our friendship I am able to share my struggles with my friend as often as I feel I need to. Sometimes this is pretty often.
So I wrote an email to my friend. I have written about my friend in this Journal before. He is a friend with whom I am completely transparent and honest. His responding email was exactly what I needed to hear. Notice I didn’t say, “Wanted to hear!” But it was what I needed to hear. As I read and re-read that email several times, I was so blessed. The blessing I received from that email continues to this day. I expect those words to continue to bless me for years to come. Those were powerful words!
That is what got me to thinking about the power of words—both written and spoken. In the above instance, it was the written word.
There are some “old sayings” which are not true. One saying is, “Sticks and stones may break my back but words can never hurt me.” There are many scarred people to give evidence to the falsehood of that statement.
Another statement says, “Talk is cheap.” That may be true when “talk” is substituted for “work”, or actually doing something. But other than that, talk is NEVER cheap! Talk can start—or stop—wars. Challenges are issued or peace treaties are negotiated.
Ever get a notice in the mail that you just inherited a million dollars? Well, neither have I. But those wouldn’t be cheap words! Nor would they be cheap if I got a notice in the mail (or a telephone call) that I owed someone a million dollars! Actually all paper money is just talk on paper. It represents the reality that stands behind that paper money.
But words do hurt—sometimes more than anything done physically. They have destroyed many a marriage, a parent-child or sibling relationship, and a friendship or business partnership. Words can be deadly.
But words can be life giving, too, as in the email from my friend.
Most psychotherapy has to do with just letting people talk. It is not the words of the therapist that help so much as the words of the one with the problem(s) who have been hurt. The saying, “JUST LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT IT” contains truth. When there is a trusted friend/accountability partner with whom we can share, it is like having someone help us carry a heavy load for a little while. After a bit of rest, we are able to take up the load and carry it a while longer.
God spoke the first words spoken in the Bible. (Genesis 1:1-3) God’s spoken word brought forth life. Jesus is the “Living Word”. The very one who brought our salvation is the very word of God made flesh. (John 1:1; 14) This is the Biblical witness to the life-giving power of words.
It has been said the three most powerful words in the world, in any language, are, “I LOVE YOU!” And that is exactly what God says throughout His Word. And this love was demonstrated in Christ’s life, His sacrifice on the Cross-and His resurrection.
Yep! Words are powerful. I have a feeling I’ll be writing about words in this Journal for several Posts.
Jim
posted by jim 10:33 AM 0 comments
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