August 19, 2025
Dear Friends,
Two young men (well, they’re both under 50, so they’re “young” to me!), both recent connections in my life; both of whom received words from me in the last twenty-four hours. The newest acquaintance of the two served excellently in a volunteer capacity in his church. I sent a brief note to encourage him. The man I’ve known longer has been suffering — I sent him a note of inquiry and assured him of my continued prayers. Just words — simple words — words meant to thank and to encourage. I could not have anticipated the response.
The first responded with gratitude, then admitted that he’d been struggling for some time. The second sent a note confessing sin and implying that the sin occurred because of the shape he was in due to his recent suffering. More words — honest words, discomfiting words — words needing a response.
What would you say if you were me? How would you say it? What tone would you convey?
Scripture says a great deal about words — their power, their beauty, their danger, the need to get them right. The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Prov. 12:18) The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. (Prov. 16:21) The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. (Prov. 17:27) But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. (Mt. 12:36-37) The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry, And a wise friend’s timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger. (Prov. 25:11 The Message)
I thanked the first man for his transparency, assured him that I would pray for him and offered the willingness to listen if he felt that he wanted to unburden himself. I thanked the second for his honesty and offered him forgiveness in Jesus’ name. I also gently chided him to take responsibility for his sin (“You chose this, notwithstanding your circumstances.”) and affirmed him for dealing with his sin quickly and openly (How many of us hide our sin until we are “found out?”). Finally, I encouraged him to not let himself be defined by his sin.
Our words are so common to us that it’s easy to simply spew them thoughtlessly. But think about times in your life where words have made an impact (harsh, ill-considered words that hurt, understanding words that comforted, encouraging words that energized). God gives each of us the privilege to speak or write words. Some do so as craftsmen while others fumble and mumble. The point is that we all have words to use. Our words matter — eternally, actually — so we need to be aware and to learn to use them wisely. How have you used your words today? How could you have used them? What words do you need to speak that you’ve been avoiding? What words do you need to let seep into your soul and change you? Let the last word belong to Jesus: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
Blessings!
Doug