Healing a hurting world is the motto of Episcopal Relief & Development. I’m following their daily Lenten devotions, and today’s meditation hit me square between the eyes. You see, I believe that what we think and say affects the world around us – it changes the ‘vibration’, if you will. So my Lenten focus this year centers around my thoughts and my words.
We’re still early into the season, but I have to tell you, I’m pretty discouraged. I think of myself as a generally positive person, but you wouldn’t know it by what I verbalize silently and aloud. Ouch. I had no idea how much negativity I spew into the universe. It seems I can’t finish a thought without horrifying myself.
But that’s what Lent is about, isn’t it? To see ourselves. To hear ourselves. To discipline ourselves, not just for a season, but for life.
Today’s devotion addresses the harm – or the good – that result from our utterances. I’ve copied it, below. May the words bring both instruction and hope to my heart – and yours, as well. (To learn more about Episcopal Relief & Development, click this link: Episcopal Relief.)
Sticks and Stones
Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. –Ephesians 4:29
What we say matters. Indeed, it matters a great deal. The childhood adage about sticks and stones –“but words will never hurt me”– is courageous but often untrue. After all, words can and do hurt. Our words can steal a person’s joy and murder their spirit, destroy their reputation and lead them to resentment or envy. In the same way, words can and do make us feel valued. “I love you.” “I forgive you.” “I am so very proud of you.” These are building blocks for helping construct a healthy and happy life.
The fact is that great power is unleashed, for good or for bad, for building up or for tearing down, every time we choose to open our mouths. It is little wonder, then, that James urges followers of Christ to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19). How utterly countercultural this is today, as we tune in to just about any talk show program and hear talking heads carp at each other with no one truly listening to the other.
On the cross, when he understandably could have cursed his tormentors or insulted his fellow prisoners, Jesus instead chose to speak words of forgiveness on behalf of those who knew not what they did and to speak words of comfort to a criminal who had little hope. May I choose this day to offer forgiveness and hope and value to those I encounter — through my words as well as my deeds. May my words build up, always.
— C. K. (Chuck) Robertson
Ariyawen 
I believe as you do regarding the power of words, even unspoken ones, and I try to nurture positive thinking & speaking. My problem is the disclaimers I apply to certain people or situations that are painful and, more importantly, on-going. It’s one thing to let go, forgive, and move on–mentally and verbally–when the issue is in the past. Much more difficult when it is ongoing and shows to signs of resolving.