Word Power

 November 26, 2024

Whenever I’ve had to officiate at a funeral, my words have seemed to me to be weak and powerless. After all, what can you say that will take away a person’s grief? Even so, in the weakness of our words there is great power to heal or to hurt. Do you remember when someone said something cruel to you? I haven’t been able to forget when someone who should have known better slandered someone very close to me.

I also remember words of encouragement, like when people have commented that my bass playing has added to the worship at Koinonia or kept a steady beat in the jazz band. Listen to St. Paul:

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”    —Ephesians 4:29 

I remember 20 years ago when our church was going through a difficult time. While I was preaching one Sunday, someone in the back of the church was talking, slandering me and others. Pastor Roy happened to be sitting in front of them, and in the middle of the service, stood up, turned around and loud enough to be heard by everyone, quoted this scripture, adding, “The Bible says our speech is supposed to edify others. Who are you edifying? You certainly aren’t edifying me.” He turned and sat down.

There was utter silence. Those who were in that back row didn’t come back the next week…or in any of the weeks afterward. Instead of repentance, they sadly chose to ignore the Scripture. Don’t you do the same. Speak encouragement; they are the heart and words of Jesus.