Just the other day I was listening to a song on the radio called "Words" by Hawk Nelson. As I was listening, I heard a phrase that stuck with me and made me think. The lyrical phrase was "Words can build you up, words can bring you down. Start a fire in your heart, or put it out." This song has a Christian spin on it, but I think the message of the power of words applies to everyone, regardless of their beliefs.
The power of words is astronomical. Ironically, there are no words to describe the impact they have on us. With this in mind, I was challenged by this song to always think about what kind of words are coming out of my mouth. No, I don't mean swear words. While obviously that is something I try to avoid, I am referring to something much deeper than that. Do people feel encouraged every time I speak? Am I helping to make the world a better place with the words I say? Am I building people up, or am I bringing people down? These questions are tough. Let's not be naïve... everyone at one point in their lives has used words in a harmful way. If we are brutally honest, we probably have used words in a way that we know we shouldn't every single day of our lives that we have known how to talk. And sometimes it isn't intentional. A sarcastic comment to someone could unknowingly ruin someone's day. The world is a dark place for many people; we never know what people are going through. While you can't control what is happening in their lives, you can control what you say to them. Words are the primary means of communication. We have the power to improve someone's day with a simple compliment, or we have the power to ultimately destroy someone's day with a snarky or rude comment. I have never been able to figure out what someone gains through saying rude things to others. Is it a twisted confidence issue, where tearing someone down somehow makes them feel better? Is it a humor thing, where it is somehow funny to be mean? I just don't get it. It's important to keep in mind the necessity for words and actions to align. Without such consistency, words mean absolutely nothing. I can only hope that I live out my beliefs. I can only hope my actions meet what I preach. Although it is unrealistic to say that I will never offend anyone or never say anything that makes someone mad, it is however a realistic goal to be a light to a dark world through the usage of positive and encouraging words. While the truth can hurt, and the content of what you are saying may offend others, the way you go about delivering your message should always be done with love.
1 Comment
Katie
6/24/2015 07:35:38 am
Speak the truth in love... Ephesians 4:15! :)
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Marcus MillerHello! Thank you for checking out my blog. I graduated from Johnston High School in Iowa back in 2015, and am attending the University of Iowa, where I am studying political science and ethics and public policy. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Archives
May 2018
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