In this age of social media, we are often careless with our words online. Today, I want to look at how and why words matter from a Christian perspective.
As a writer, I know the importance of words. They can tell a story, lift someone’s spirit, or tear someone down. Picking the right word can make all the difference in many circumstances. As a Christian, communicating the gospel requires using words accurately, so that the culture does not alter their meaning. We must use words like sin, grace, and repentance with their full biblical context to share the message of Christ.
When I attended a writer’s conference and saw they offered a Bible study writing class using various sources to dig into the word usages, I signed up. The instructor explained she would turn us into Bible nerds, and it was perfect for me.
In the class, I learned about many new (and free) resources like the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB), the Blue Letter Bible, the Culture Study Bible, and Bible Hub. We dug through each one and how to use them. I couldn’t wait until I got home and put my new skills to work. I eagerly explored each resource, but it took time before I understood how to use those discoveries in my writing.
Sermon Words Example
Our church hosted John C. Maxwell for a Sunday service. He is the author of many books and a skilled speaker. He spoke about biblical failures and how God gives us second chances, which should be great news for all of us. John used Peter as an example, sharing how he failed Christ at his trial and then Christ gave him a second chance on the shores of the lake after Jesus’ resurrection. John talked about the love mentioned in John 21:15-17 (NIV). Let’s look at this information.
As an example, John 21:15 (NIV) we see Jesus ask Peter if he loves him? Peter responds that yes, he loves Jesus. We see the same exchange in verse 16. Each of the loves mentioned comes from a different Greek word. When Jesus asked Peter, he used the Greek word Agape love. When Peter responds, he uses the Greek word phileō. While agapē means unconditional, self-sacrificial love, phileō refers to tender, affectionate, and emotional brotherly love or friendship. The different words for love reveal Peter’s humility and lingering grief after denying Christ.
We see another change in verse 17. Here, Jesus changes to the Greek word phileō to match the word that Peter used. This change shows that Jesus wanted Peter to know that if you can’t love me with agapē love because of your feelings of failure, I will accept your phileō love as a starting point for your second chance.
That insight challenged me. How often have I approached God feeling like Peter, believing my failures had somehow diminished my usefulness to Him?
Words Matter
If Jesus is the Word made flesh, then our words should reflect his character of truthfulness, graciousness, and life-giving. What, then, does this tell us about the importance of our words?
The choice of words matters because they directly dictate tone, evoke emotion, and shape perception. For example, telling a struggling person they will never change can crush their spirit, whereas speaking words of grace and encouragement aligns with Ephesians 4:29.
Whether or not you’re a wordsmith, you ought to pay attention to the words you choose. It’s vital to consider your word choices in your everyday conversations and your online presence. The Apostle Matthew also reminded us of the importance of our words in Matthew 12:36 (NIV): “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” If we account for our words, we need to choose them wisely in person and online usage.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 (ESV).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the incredible power of my words. I ask that you guide my tongue and give me wisdom to know exactly what to say when I speak. Put a guard over my mouth and let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight. Fill my mind with grace so that my conversations build up, encourage, and bring peace to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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Yvonne, the class you signed up for sounds amazing. I really like the Blue Letter Bible. Like you, I’m a lover of words in both speaking and writing. And I love God’s Word. It is so important to choose our words carefully since they carry weight and point others to Christ. God bless.
Very true Karen. Our words can change lives. Blessings
Our words are powerful and I agree that we must be careful in our choices. Our words can bring joy and provide encouragement or shatter someone with criticism and anger. Thank you for reminding us of the gift of a second chance (I like to say another chance because I used up my second chances.) Your message is just what we need in this time of conflict. Thank you, Yvonne.
Thanks Katherine. I think we often forgot the impact of our words especially on social media. Thanks Katherine and blessings
Amen. Our words and actions can help lead others to a relationship with God. 🙂 Blessings. 🙂
And we need to be wise in how we use them. Blessings