Every week Pastor Paul comes to my office to offer his words of wisdom and support for the week. Last week his words of the week are “words are important.”
He goes on to state that sometimes the simplest exchange of words can become a struggle to express or understand. Communication is a part of life wither we are exchanging ideas of everyday life; conducting a business deal; or talking with our children. As I have found the words people speak may not always match the way they really feel.
Sometimes the words people speak may seem hurtful or “sharp” even though they do not intend to come off that way. Emotions like anger, disappointment or hurt can evoke sharp words. Some words may be misinterpreted or misunderstood. We may think that a quick “I’m sorry” or “you know I did not mean that” will make those sharp words disappear. Maybe we wish that we did not say the things we said, or we wish we could take back those words we so quickly said in the heat of the moment. I would bet the receiver of those hurtful words would agree, that it takes a bit more for the sting of those words to wear off, even with an apology.
As Pastor Paul states we learn quickly that not all people always mean what they say and say what they mean. Words can heal and words can hurt, words can inspire or intimidate, words can inform or deceive, and build or tear down. He states that our words should not be “silly talk or coarse jesting” (Ephesians 5: 3-4). I think what it all comes down to is remembering to SAY what you mean and MEAN what you say. I know it is not always an easy thing to do when emotions are involved, but maybe words can have the power of life, the power to inspire and forgive. Maybe we just have to remember how very important words are.
Remember to let your words be gentle and loving, without need for regret.
~Stacy.
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