The Power of Words | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: The Power of Words | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mary Thomas
09/01/21
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August is the month of family birthdays, ushering in lots of cakes and of course candles!
Cake has always played an important part in our family, and any form of celebration is a good excuse for trying out another new recipe.

Since the arrival of grandchildren, the tradition of singing ‘Happy Birthday’ and blowing out candles, has taken us to another level, and re-lighting the candles and blowing them out is all part of the fun.

There is nearly always a panic to find a box of matches, involving a last-minute rush to the local shop. I found myself doing this just last week, knowing that my son and daughter in law probably didn’t have any in their house. I was surprised as I stood at the self-checkout to find I needed permission to buy the matches. I was slightly irritated waiting for the shop assistant to put a code in allowing me to buy them.
But in hindsight, when I thought about it, one match has the power to burn a house down or set a forest on fire. A single match can do a lot of damage if used carelessly or put in the wrong hands.

A match on its own is just a very small piece of wood, but has immeasurable power once ignited.

I was reminded of the warnings in the Bible about a small part of the body that has the power to do a great deal of good, or cause a great deal of pain. I am referring to the tongue. The Bible in James Chapter 3, under the heading of ‘Taming the Tongue’, says that with the tongue we can praise our Lord and Father, and with it we can curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. (James 3:9 NIV)) This chapter gives us the illustration of a tongue being like a fire, it has the power to corrupt the whole body, and set the whole course of one’s life on fire. (James 3:6 NIV) Vivid descriptions indeed, powerful warnings about the power of our words.

But like the match, that needs to be struck to produce a flame, the tongue needs to be activated by us to produce the words we speak that can either build up or bring us and others down.

We will all have been affected in some way by someone’s cruel words spoken over us, we may remember how it made us feel. For some, it may have steered the course of their lives, affecting their value and self-worth. I know I have been on the receiving end of words that have caused me hurt, and I have learnt the need to forgive and let go of what was said. I also spoken words I regretted, after seeing the power and effect they had on the person they were spoken to.

On the other hand, we know the power of words of kindness and encouragement spoken over our lives, words that hold the key to setting us free from burdens we carry, and situations that seem hopeless.

I love the scripture that says,

The Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary. (Isaiah 50:4 NIV)

With the help of the Holy Spirit we can learn to tame the tongue, and use it to Praise God and build others up. Just like the match that can bring light into darkness, we have the power to bring light into a life, shine hope into despair, and brighten up someone’s day.

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