Words have amazing power. We can bring about much good or wreak havoc with our words, as we might often see on Internet forums. At times we might fail to express ourselves clearly and others misunderstand us. But we might not be too holy to misuse words on purpose, either. As the letter of James in the New Testament puts it, " For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body" (James 3:2).
Like many others I like to get my voice heard. Occasionally, this might be at the expense of others who do not share my views on, say current politics, creation/ evolution, or end time prophesy. The timing of the rapture (pre, mid or post tribulation), for instance, is potentially an amazingly sensitive issue.
It is easy for us to remember Paul's admonition in Ephesians about speaking the truth. However, it is somewhat more difficult to follow the admonition in its entirety. Paul tells us to speak the truth in love. That is the hard part, at least for me.
Now, we should definitely not neglect to speak the truth. Christians are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14). We are called to keep the world's rottenness in check and let this little light of mine shine in an all too dark world. It is not difficult to criticise. But doing so in a spirit of love is obviously not too easy.
The Bible has much to say about the incorrect use of words. James, for instance, says, " For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue."
But it also speaks about the correct use of words. " Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt", Paul admonishes the Colossians (4:6). This is certainly a challenge.
The Book of Proverbs includes interesting insights into the use of words. "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones" (16:24) and "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver"( 25:11).
So perhaps we should try to use words in the biblical sense, speaking the truth in love.
Joel Kontinen is an author and translator currently living in Finland. His bacground includes an MA in translation studies and a BA in Bible and Theology. He mostly writes about origins issues.
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