Words of Power

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. James 3:9-10

Words are powerful. Like a bit or a rudder, they can turn large objects by one small uttering, one small sentence. As James reminds his audience, the tongue, the words we write, can devastate the very likeness of God. A singe negative word is as a spark that sets ablaze the entire forest. As writers, we hold tremendous power—power to praise our Lord and Father and power to curse men all with that same gift. Our thoughts, when read by others, can have a lasting impact, good or bad, on another’s life.

Though a few spare writers use their Christianity as a platform for conveying hurtful ideas, there’s another silent weapon that’s often overlooked, and it can be just as harmful. One of the most destructive things a Christian can do is to hide behind an anonymous façade and spew words of hatred, thinking that, just because readers can’t trace back to the source, it won’t have a wounding consequence.

Readers are humans who have been created by God in His very image and likeness. No matter if they’ve hurt you, no matter if they hate you, this is true of everyone. They reflect the majesty of their Creator. Thus, we are commanded to love them.

Remember that words have a lasting impact. They can take the darkest situation and shine the light of love or they can take the darkest situation and create a wall of hate. Resist the temptation to remain unnamed or even named and pass along a message of retaliation.

Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. This should not be. Consider today how you can use your words in a powerful way to glorify God.

Dear God, Use my gift as a writer to give you the glory and praise. I may never know how much my words impact another’s life, but God, whatever that impact may be, let it be pleasing to You.