Make your words make a difference

Peter Holloway
Jul 24, 2017 · 2 min read

The adage is old and well worn: sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me. It’s not true!

I took an introduction to Hebrew class some years ago, and the lecturer told how to Hebrews words were living things that went and did something, then returned to the owner. Hence, the description of the prophet Samuel — not a word of his fell to the ground. In other words, his words accomplished what they were sent to do.

My lecturer went on to explain that in Hebrew terms to say something and then take it back was like throwing a brick through a window and offering to take the brick back. The damage was done! Our own language isn’t greatly different. Words that we speak have an effect that can rarely be undone.

So, if the words we use are so permanent, so effective, let’s make sure that we choose words that make a positive difference. God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah and said: “Is not my word like a fire, says the Lord? And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces.”

When Jesus spoke with the disciples from the Scriptures on the Emmaus road they said to one another: “Did not our hearts burn within us?”

The prophet Isaiah says that God’s word “will not return to me empty”.

If we want to make a difference in this world, let’s use God’s word, effective, fire, power to accomplish God’s purposes. There are so many things that we can use words for, but God’s word transcends all. For those who write or speak there can be no greater use of words than to speak God’s words after him for his glory and for our edification.

So let’s not waste words, but, write to make a difference.