The Weight of Words

At a risk of aging myself quite a bit, I’ll share a little recollection from my childhood. It used to be quite the norm for kids at school to banter back and forth with each other, and if a sly insult was hurled, the very next words spoken would be, “But, no offense.”

I know I could find myself on both sides of this conversation. Looking back on that time, I think some of us developed a thick skin, some of us found wounds on hearts, and for others of us, we have regrets. The old adage related to “sticks and stones” and “words that can never hurt me” have proven to be quite the falsehood. While criticism can be tossed around without much thought, I think we’ve come to learn that words do matter – they matter very much indeed.

As we move through each of our days and interactions, are we being intentional with our words? Are we considering how our sentiments may land with the person across the table, counter, aisle, street, or within our own home? Are we taking into account that this may not be a conversation that is forgotten by tomorrow?

I’m sure you can each think of a time that you used your words to affirm someone, and how the room seemed a little bit brighter after such a positive interaction. Conversely, I think we can all lament the time we’ve used our words carelessly and the effect was a joy vacuum, pulling all of the positive energy right out of the environment.

Jesus says in Matthew 12:36, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”

In reading this teaching from Jesus, I’m already scrolling through all of the memories where I let myself get wrapped in emotion and chose not to weigh my words carefully.

However, I’m so thankful for amazing grace and encouraged that while there are many things in this world completely outside of my control, I do have control over how I interact with others. I assure you, this is a process. I can vacillate between feisty and awkward, and learning the dance of conversation is not something I feel I’ve mastered in any way.

But, when in doubt, I can always choose words of encouragement. And we can speak love…and grace…and truth…all at once.

Will you join me in pausing to reflect before we speak, choosing a kind word over any other, and looking to speak to others with a tone of love? Let’s flip the script, friends. Let’s work diligently to transform weighty words into gracious conversations.