Words. A child’s first. A loved one’s last. Everything in between. All words, uttered for a multitude of reasons, carry with them the potential to impact another person’s life. For example, an individual can use their words to build someone up, or they can use them to tear someone down. Each person has the choice. However, how many of us actually take the time to stop and realize the powerful impact of the words we wield?
A Personal Example of the Urgent Gift of Words
Almost a year ago, I introduced you to my sister-in-law, Pam (see the post “Powerful Effect of Love’s Ripples“). At the time, Pam had undergone surgery to remove a brain tumor, which unapologetically took up residence there. Since then, she has bravely, and fervently, fought against the unrelenting enemy called cancer. Despite her valiant fight, cancer has continued to steal more and more from Pam in this life. What cancer has not taken, however, is the power of words which surround her.
As Pam prepares to reunite with the Creator for eternity, many words have been exchanged between her and her loved ones, including me. All of this discourse seems to have taken on a sense of urgency and has reminded me of the gift we each have but often fail to use. What is this gift? You see, no one is promised a tomorrow in this life. However, each of us has the present, God’s precious gift.
God has blessed you with air in your lungs and this current moment in time. Are you making the most out of His gift? After all, why wait until the end of this life to say what you want to say, especially when no one truly knows the moment the end will arrive for any of us? Who wants to live with the knowledge of a missed opportunity? Am I right, dear friend? Perhaps this explains the sense of urgency each of us feels.
Live Life with No Regrets and Leave Nothing Left Unsaid
My motto has always been “Live life with no regrets.” In a previous post (see the post “Immeasurable Power Borne out of the Holy Spirit’s Nudging“), I shared with you the pain and regret I felt when my sister passed because I did not say what I had wanted to say in the moment. Ironic, isn’t it? These intense emotions plagued me for quite some time. Therefore, I encourage others to live life with no regrets and leave nothing left unsaid.
How is it possible to leave nothing left unsaid when it seems as if there is always more to say? Well, it is quite simple. Really. If you love someone, tell them. When you miss someone, reach out and connect with them. What if you feel remorse over saying or doing something hurtful? Apologize. If someone comes to mind, contact them. Essentially, do not waste God’s gift of the present moment by delaying what can, and should be, said today. In the end, you will live life with no regrets and leave nothing left unsaid.
The Power of Love Shared through Words
As I alluded to earlier, our words have the power to build someone up or tear them down. Viewed by many as the wisest man to ever live, King Solomon felt strongly about the power of one’s words. In fact, he writes about it in Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) when he says, “The tongue has the power of life and death….”
Sharing a similar sentiment as King Solomon, Apostle Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica and reminds believers to “…encourage one another and build each other up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV). Likewise, Paul expands upon this message when he writes to the Ephesians and says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29, NIV).
God’s Children Are Commanded to Love Others
As a child of God and follower of Jesus Christ, each of us is commanded to love others. During the Last Supper and shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus tells His disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35, NIV) (bold and italics added for emphasis). Jesus tells us to use Him as The Example of how to love. By spending time reading and studying His Word, we learn to love others through our words and our actions.
Loving others as Jesus loves means to love others through our words and deeds. Called as an apostle by the will of God, Apostle Paul instructs Christ’s followers on how to love others. In a letter to the church in Corinth, Paul writes, “Do everything in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14, NIV) (bold and italics added for emphasis). Notice he made sure to declare all actions are to be in love. This includes loving others by how we speak to them.
Closing Thoughts and a Call to Action
All words possess the potential to impact another person’s life. An individual can speak words of encouragement and love to build someone up. They can also use their words to tear someone down. Each person, including you, has the choice. Therefore, I encourage you to reflect upon your own words in any given situation. Then, as children of God, we will gain a greater awareness, and understanding, of the powerful impact of the words we wield.
Special Acknowledgment
This post is in honor of my sister-in-law, Pam. Thank you for welcoming me into the family so many years ago and for the countless precious memories we have shared. I will treasure them always. I love you!