Words are powerful. God reveals Himself to us through His Word, yet how many of us truly read the Bible and study it for our own edification and spiritual growth? Or do we discard it in favour of the latest thriller or fantasy novel. If so then how are we to 'know God' for when we ignore His Word as St. Jerome said, "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." We ignore Scripture at our own peril!
Yet even if we read the Scriptures daily, but fail to act what they teach us we are but sounding cymbals in a world full of raucous noise, once again St. Jerome admonishes us with these wise words, "Do not let your deeds belie your words, lest when you speak in church someone may say to himself, 'Why do you not practice what you preach?' This marvelous Saint indeed speaks wisely for when we 'use' God's Word in order to accuse others of their sins, or instead to try and prove to all our great knowledge and faith then how is that so different from the 'proud Pharisee? The worst though is when we use knowledge of God's Word to hide ones lascivious nature, for one cannot speak angelic words with the heart of a devil!
We need to use our words wisely for in our words we have the power to bring both happiness and grief, we can either build someone up who has suffered or add to their burden by thoughtless words uttered by inexperience if not downright ignorance. It helps if we have gained a sound knowledge and grounding in Scripture for as the Word reveals to us, "Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing." As this Scripture suggests we are all a work in progress, and at times we too are in need of an encouraging word but also one guided in wisdom, lest we speak more as a longing to be liked than speak the Truth as revealed to us through the Word and the Teachings of the Church.
In order to build each other up we must also not judge one another as if we were perfect, but neither should we neglect speaking the Truth for fear of being ridiculed. Correction is good for the soul and those who object wise council should look within their own hearts as to the reasons why? For as St. Paul says, ." If a brother or sister is engaged in an act, or is displaying an attitude, that is sinful and destructive to them and to others, it is essential that they be approached in love so that their destructive behavior may be altered. At times our approach may have to be firm; punishment may even be called for; but these can all be acts of edification if entered into with the proper spirit. If our "severity" is generated from a spirit of anger, frustration, hatred, spite, or desire for vengeance, then we are "tearing down;" but if our "severity" is generated from a spirit of love, concern, and a desire for repentance and continued fellowship, then we are "building up." "For though I cause you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it.....for you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance.....in order that you might not suffer loss."
We must always be aware that every person needs to feel loved, validated and needed, so in order to be truly wise, we must weigh our words for they will act upon the heart like a flower ready to bloom or they will crush the bud before it had reached its full maturity. So before we speak remember to examine your own inner motives, and to pray to the Holy Spirit so we may speak in wisdom so as to edify the recipient rather than cause harm and hinder the spiritual path of another. As Thomas Kempis says, "In all your actions keep your end in sight, and how you will stand before your judge, your God, from whom nothing is hidden." Once again to paraphrase, 'it is not what goes into a man that makes him unclean but what comes out of him.'
At times we may not know that our actions and words are harming another in that our overzealousness instead of helping may in fact harm the recipient, St. Philip Neri wisely says, "If you wish to go to extremes, let it be in sweetness, patience, humility and charity." When our friends come to us with their souls in anguish and the wounds within exposed, do we rub salt in them or do we with utmost compassion become a balm to the troubled and pained individual. At these times words do not need to be expressed as a look of compassion and mercy may achieve more than any word. Our expressions at these times speak louder than words, as tears of empathy flow forth, sometimes tears are our liquid prayers, as Helen Keller eloquently expressed, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart."
We may think what has words to do with spiritual warfare? This is so because it is from the mind that sin begins and is then carried out in both word and deed. For Satan knows our weakness, if we are quick to take offense he will send us offensive people, if we are over sensitive, he will send people to criticize our every word and action, but if some are lazy and apathetic, Satan leaves them to themselves, for they are already his. So if we think that Satan has no use for words then many will be sadly mistaken, for Satan is a sower of malice and discord is its seed upon which hate becomes its fruit.
This should teach us to measure each word as if our soul depended on it for it does, for when we wound another, we wound Christ! We need to take heed of our words and motives, but in order to do so we also need to know what is pleasing for God to hear, and that is words spoken in love, even when correcting another. In the words of another great Saint, "A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love." St. Basil is correct for what we give to others and how we treat them will affect our own relationship with our Heavenly Father, for what is said cannot be taken back, so if we wound a child of God how then does it benefit anyone?
In finishing let us remember we are all at times in need of a kind word, a gentle reminder that all is not lost and the knowledge that we are loved.
Peace of Christ to ALL
Copyright © 2006 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.
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