Using Our Words
In the immediate aftermath of the attempted assassination of President Trump, both the right and the left called for a change of tone in political discussions. Presidents Biden and Trump called for this as well. It would be a welcome change if this occurs, but I am not too optimistic that it will. And we don’t know of course the motive of the shooter, whether it was connected to the rhetoric or discourse of politics.
But the call for a reduction in tone and hostility gives us as Christians an opportunity to reflect on what Scripture teaches regarding words. Christ said “what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person.”
The book of James says “If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also, the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
As Christians, we have been forgiven and a new nature has been created in us. We have been given the Holy Spirit who renews us in the image of God. So, our words should reflect the love of God just as our actions should do. Therefore, as children of God who have been forgiven and declared righteous, who should use our words to build one another up and to speak well of others.
Paul wrote in the book of Ephesians: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” The word “corrupting” comes from a Greek word that referred to rotten fruit and vegetables. It might be translated “Let no rotten or foul talk come out of your mouths.” The point is our words are not be “foul.” Our words are instead to be words that build one another up, as fitting for the family of God.
Let us, therefore, as children of God who have been renewed in the image of God, choose words that give glory to God and show love toward others. This is pleasing in the sight of Christ, who has redeemed us and declared us to be His children.
In Christ,
Rev. David L. Putz, Pastor
Holy Cross Lutheran Church (LCMS)
Crawfordsville, Indiana
Good things are happening at Holy Cross! Praise God for that. When we keep Word and Sacrament ministry at the heart of what we do, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is sown. As we share the Word, God gives the growth and we rejoice as humble stewards of the God who changes lives and hearts. Help us always, Lord, to keep Your Word at the center of our life together under your Holy Cross!
Please continue to pray for our congregation and each other. Don’t forget to visit our church website www.holycross-crawfordsville.org to find links for all our services on YouTube.