As a pastor, I've seen firsthand the power of words to bring about change. When spoken with love, compassion, and intention, words can be a liberating force that bridges even the widest of divides. However, when spoken with malice, words can cut deeply and destroy. It's a delicate balance, one that requires careful consideration of the impact our words may have on others.
In scripture, we're reminded of the importance of choosing our words wisely. As the Psalmist writes, "Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14). This is a call to speak words that edify and bring life, rather than words that tear down and destroy. As a father, I've tried to model this for my children, Joshua and Rebecca, teaching them the importance of speaking words that bring joy and encouragement to those around them.
In a world of division and chaos, our words have the power to bring about change. When we speak words of love, hope, and redemption, we create spaces for others to hear and respond. We can choose to sow seeds of life, rather than destruction, by speaking words that uplift and inspire. As I've seen in my own life and ministry, the right words can bring about transformation, healing, and liberation. It's a reminder that our words have the power to shape the world around us, and that we should use them wisely.