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The power of words

 

There is power in the spoken word … power to build up, or tear down.

Too many people know the reality of destructive words — either through speaking them or hearing them. Some people carry lifelong scars from being subjected to hurtful words.

A friend of mine, as a teen, had longed to please his father. When finally his dad attended one of his sporting events, he hoped to hear much desired words of praise from him.

Instead, on the way home, his father criticized the way he had played. My friend was crushed, and he carried that scar with him well into his adult life.

The Bible has the answer. “A word aptly spoken,” says Proverbs 25:11 (NIV), “is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”

The same book says, “How good is a timely word” (Proverbs 15:23).

As a pastor, I have counseled many people who never or seldom heard the words “I love you” from the people they cared about the most. What power there is in those words! They ought to be given often and sincerely.

Words of reconciliation, from “I’m sorry” to “I forgive you,” can transform lives.

And how many people long to hear from those they love, “I believe in you”?

Kind, caring, affirming words spoken to someone make something come alive in them.

We all hold this power.

Read the features in this issue for some inspirational “words to transform your world.”

Ken Horn

E-mail your comments to tpe@ag.org.