The Power of Words - January 12

Today’s Readings -  Psalm 1, 2, 3; Gen. 2:4-9(10-15)16-25; Heb. 1:1-14; John 1:1-18

Words carry an importance and power that few other things hold in quite the same way. My beloved stepdad once told me that he thought when I opened my mouth it was to change feet. In other words, I had a habit of speaking without thinking and then digging my hole deeper as I tried to get out! It’s very true once a word is spoken it can’t be taken back. It’s not as if we can freeze-frame the moment and pull whatever offensive or hurtful word back. In the same way words can convey deep feelings of love, or forgiveness.

Words can be powerful healers. To hear a loved one’s voice when we’re frightened or sad can make all the difference. If you have a good command of language words can be expressive, convincing and creative. Words can mark momentous occasions. The first words of a child are more precious than gold and the last words from a dying loved one just as precious.

God created all things by the spoken word. “God said ‘Let there be light and there was light.’”  God’s spoken word brought the universe into being, “and the Word became flesh and lived among us. . . the glory as of a father’s only son,* full of grace and truth.”  John chose a medium for Jesus that was not material yet had more power than any material being that has ever existed. Moses was given the words of God that were the Law for the Hebrew people. And then Jesus, the Word made flesh, came full of grace and truth, not to upend or take away the law but to provide another lens through which to interpret the law. Jesus brought a perspective that included forgiveness and compassion in a way that the Law hadn’t emphasized.

Words can be healing, or hurtful, they can build us up or cut us down. They can start wars or bring peace. Jesus as the Word is healing, righteous and compassionate. He is full of grace and truth so that his love is available to all and at the same time his words can be fierce and unwavering when justice or someone’s dignity is at stake. Jesus “in flesh appearing” is the Word as the expression of God’s love through an incarnate manifestation of the truest, most grace-filled being there will ever be. We may not be as thoughtful as we should be or as accurate or articulate with our words as we need to be, but Jesus as the Word will always serve as a reminder of the grace that is available when our words fail us. Jesus never fails us. However, when we fail, and we will, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is always present, always available.

 Faithfully,

Sally+

Questions for Reflection and Challenge - The spoken word can be a magnificent gift, but it can also be as deadly as a razor-sharp sword. What examples can you think of when you could have been more mindful, more grace-filled? How can you prevent making the same mistake next time?