The Power of Words: Why What We Say Matters
Words can heal, encourage, wound, inspire, and even shape our understanding of God. A reflection on faith, communication, and the power of language from a quiet place in the pasture. The power of words cannot be overestimated.
MILO MOMENTSREFLECTIONS
Rom Webster & Opa
The Power of Words
Sometimes an Old Horse Shelter Becomes a Cathedral
Not long ago, I was taking one of my regular walks around our property. For me (Opa), walking has always been a time for thinking, praying, and sorting through life.
Up in the south pasture sits an old horse shelter. Years before E.B and Opa lived on this land, horses lived here, and although the horses are gone now, the shelter remains. When we moved onto the land, E.B and I poured a concrete pad beneath the shelter’s steel roof. We’ve also added a few things that remind us of God, heaven, and the life we were called to live.
Sometimes during my walks, I stop there.
I call this place my "Poustinia"—a quiet place where I can be still and listen. It’s a place where we realize how the wind moves through the trees. The birds carry on their conversations all around us. The rabbits like to get their morning and evening snacks nearby and in plain view. Nature peacefully goes about its business. And somewhere in that stillness, God often nudges a thought into my mind also.
Yesterday, the thought was simple:
Words matter.
We use words so casually that we often forget how powerful they are. The Bible certainly doesn't.
God spoke creation into existence.
The prophets proclaimed God's message with words.
John the Baptist called people to repentance with words.
Jesus healed, forgave, comforted, corrected, and taught with words.
He even called Lazarus from the tomb with words.
Most remarkable of all, Jesus Himself is called the Word of God.
Words are more than sounds. They carry meaning, emotion, truth, encouragement, correction, hope, and sometimes pain.
They can build relationships or damage them.
They can unite people or divide them.
They can bless or curse.
As I continued my walk, I found myself thinking about a cartoon idea. A young wife says to her husband:
"That makes me feel better... and worse at the same time."
Most married couples understand exactly what that means.
The husband probably meant well. He might even have spoken the truth. Yet somehow his words carried both comfort and discomfort at the same time. That's the mystery of communication.
Words are powerful, but they are not always simple. Perhaps it’s the reason Scripture repeatedly encourages us to be careful with what we say.
Before speaking, it helps to ask:
Is it true?
Is it helpful?
Is it loving?
Is it necessary?
Our thoughts may seem silent, but even our thinking is shaped by words.
Thanks Be To God
Today, thank God for language. Thank Him for conversations with family and friends. Thank Him for Scripture.
Thank Him for the Word made flesh… and then go out and use your words wisely.
Someone may need exactly the encouragement that only you can give.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." — John 1:1
