The Power of Words

This week's Song of the Week is "Words" by Hawk Nelson.

"Let my words be life, Let my words be truth"

I first heard this song on the radio when it came out over 6 years ago. Throughout the cross country trip to Oregon, I've been reading "Warfare: Winning the Spiritual Battle" by Dr. Tony Evans.

In the future, I'll get into the book in more depth but here's a quick synopsis. In the book, Dr. Evans outlines the spiritual battle being waged behind the scenes for each of us, and teaches us how to claim victory in the battle God has already won by Jesus' death. Throughout the week, I just got the urge to listen to this song, and its message couldn't be more relevant.

There is a power in words whether we like it or not. We've all been guilty of using words in ways the Lord would frown upon before, myself included. "Words" is all about a commitment to using our words to build each other up and not break each other down. That's why it's this week's Song of the Week. The reality is that we have the power to hurt other people with our words. The sooner we become aware of this, the sooner we can instead use our words for good and speak life.

In life, conflicts are inevitable. After all, we are human beings and also different people. Differences are to be expected. From these differences, disagreements are bound to arise among friends, family, teammates, etc. You get the point. But why do people fight? Because they care about each other. It's important to not get caught up in the moment and say anything you'll regret later. I myself am guilty of this. In the past when people wronged me, I used to get so angry and bitter. In the moment, it's easy to cast aside God's word and act by the secular way of thinking. Even as a Christian, I let myself conveniently overlook that fact in the moment and let my head be filled with negative thoughts, and sometimes even said something hurtful. It was only after I fully owned my identity as a Christian that I was able to react and approach those situations differently. It's one thing to say you'll do something, but it's another thing to actually live it. God's word is good because it leaves nothing to interpretation. It tells us exactly what we need to do, no suggestions. The Bible says this about resolving conflict:

"31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT)

Paul is very clear here. Forgive. Cast aside all bitterness, anger, and negative thoughts. After all, that is what we should do. When we look in the mirror, we are no different. We are all human beings and we are all sinners. Despite this, God has forgiven our sins. By grace if He has forgiven you, we ought to do the same and forgive each other. None of us are perfect. In Romans, Paul says this:

"1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things."

Romans 2:1 (NIV)

Since we too are also sinners, we have no right to judge others. Paul continues in the next verse to say that when we judge others we are holding ourselves up to be God's standard. If we judge others but are sinners ourselves, we will not escape God's judgement. Since we were born as, always have been, and always will be sinners, the point here is clear. Don't judge others. We've never had the authority to, and we never will.

Back to the song, Paul also says to get rid of all "harsh words" and "slander." The power of words was evident even back then. Consider these lyrics from the song:

"Words can build you up,

Words can break you down.

Start a fire in your heart or,

Put it out."

One small change in approach could change your whole life. Change the way you use your words, and you'll change how you resolve conflict. The way to approach disputes isn't anger and bitterness. After all, what do we have to be bitter about? Since we are no less a sinner than our fellow man, we have no claim to hold ourselves in higher esteem. Instead, love each other, for they are your brothers and sisters in Christ. The correct approach involves the mindset of love and forgiveness that Paul talks about in Ephesians.

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