The POWER of Words

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
John 1:1

We have all probably heard at times how words can heal or hurt. Can't say I fully understood the meaning of a statement like that until adult years. I can't remember even in school while growing up the effects of bullying like many school young people speak of today. There are teens we've read of who have committed suicide because of the bullying comments made to them through time, reducing the affected young person to feel totally worthless. Adults aren't exempt from speaking unkindness to others so bullies in their youth can't be singled out. Adults often know how to reduce a person to tears even when seeming to be kind, perhaps even with a kind smile on on their faces.

There are those folks, however, who just have the knack of being encouraging and uplifting in conversation maybe when they don't even realize it. I have known some people who don't even claim the name of Christ who are kind and encouraging beyond words. Shame on we believers if most of the words we speak are negative in nature. I read an anonymous comment I found holds great truth: “One kind word can change someone's entire day.” There are numerous times I have experienced this when I received a kind word from a nurse, friend, pastor, cashier or others. I'm not talking about phony compliments. Most of us recognize those once said. Our kind words should be words of truth and uplifting at the same time.

Words are meant to communicate. Words are most commonly used in conversation. However, the are words that are sung and words we read using many sources. One of the most important thing we ever learn in life is to read.

Words change things. Words can declare wars or words can bring about peace. Words can make or break a business deal. Words can break up marriages or destroy childhoods. Words can lead others to a saving knowledge of Christ or can turn others away from becoming believers. Words can divide churches or countries. However, words can heal on a personal level or when shared with foreign country leaders. Words can stop the dropping of a bomb and bring relief to those in dire straits because of horrible circumstances. Such can bring health to the soul of another and strengthen the spirit of another.

Our opening verse speaks of the “Word.” In this verse, it is Jesus who is referred to as the Word. In reality, Jesus as the Word became God's communication of Himself to us. Sounds too simple doesn't it and yet as we read, especially in the Gospels and Jesus' use of words, we see perfect examples for us in our own use of words. Some examples of Jesus' words are:

Samaritan Woman: exposed her for her lifestyle while tender leading her to belief

Nicodemus: Uncompromising words of salvation to this man of elite standing

Peter: despite his betrayal, with words later brought Peter back to a restored relationship

Judas: At the betrayal, Jesus simply asked: “Friend wherefore art thou come?”

One place where Jesus really amazed folks was in Luke 4 where he read words of prophecyof Himself from Isaiah 61. As he finished reading, we read in verse 22:

And all bare him witness, and wondered
at the gracious words which proceeded
out of His mouth...

Words of graciousness...oh that we might learn from Him.

Not only was/is Jesus the revelation of God as God's own Word to us, but you and I often refer to our Bibles as “the Word.” Again, God has revealed Himself through that precious book most of us have multiple copies of. Persecution of every sort has been meted out in order for you and me to own even one copy of the Bible. It's an extraordinary book few of us take full advantage of. How are we ever going to know the heart of God without this precious document? In the Old Testament we not only catch a glimpse of our spiritual heritage historically but we also see throughout God's character, integrity, live and desire for our right living. The New Testament fulfills the Old and gives us so much more.

One of the most important thing we can give ourselves to is learning more about THE Word (Jesus) from the Word (Bible). About twice a year and sometimes more, I love to go to the Gospels and read nothing but Jesus words that are usually red lettered. This takes from me all of the scenery, people, etc. I just heard His words and am blessed, encouraged, corrected and loved above all expectation or deserving.

I hope you are in a church setting where the Word (Jesus) is spoken of often by name and the Word (Bible) is preached with accuracy, no manipulation, love and with a sincere desire to make Jesus known in the fullest of truth. If you aren't getting that where you are, you need to be where the Word in every form is honored and exalted without human interference with the leading of the Holy Spirit.


Sometime, take your Bible and just hold it to yourself as an act of awesome appreciation for this special blessing of God's personal words to us.

Dear Father, we too often take for granted the precious book, the Bible, that we own. Some may go days without reading it but the words in it equip us to be people of that Word who speak words to other that please You. Thank You for Jesus, Your Word to us....Amen