The
word is always a word for others. Words need to be heard. When we give words to
what we are living, these words need to be received and responded to. A speaker
needs a listener. A writer needs a reader.
When the flesh - the lived human
experience - becomes word, community can develop. When we say, "Let me
tell you what we saw. Come and listen to what we did. Sit down and let me
explain to you what happened to us. Wait until you hear whom we met," we
call people together and make our lives into lives for others. The word brings
us together and calls us into community. When the flesh becomes word, our
bodies become part of a body of people.
Those
words were penned by one of my favorite authors, Henri Nouwen. He spoke of something next to my heart and
comes up often when we plan outreach, when we look at the needs of our
community and so much more.
Our
words must create community. Sometimes
our words create division. They separate
or cause deep pain that is remembered for a very long time. At other times words bring healing and
strength to the hearer, maybe even to the speaker too.
The
lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks
perverse words.
Choose
your words wisely. I have the
responsibility and honor to preaching. I
enjoy it and even love it. But I come to
the place where I realize the gravity of my words. They have the power to send people in various
directions. Words build up. Words can tear down. The speaker has the most power.
Don’t
misuse that power. Whether you are a
preacher, a teacher, a parent, a storeowner, a construction worker or have some
other occupation, each day you have words to share with others.
Make
sure your words make a difference. Speak
less. Be more calculated than ever
before. Like the verse above be godly
and wise with helpful words. Like the
verse below let God speak through you.
Our words can build community and make us all better!
For
he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without
limit.
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