Outsider Insight – {Word Power}

Outsider Insight
Word Power
By: Aleesa McArthur

When playing dodge ball, there is always the potential of being hit in the face and, depending on how much force is behind it, causing pain. Imagine the words we speak. To someone else, it could be that dodge ball. Kiera Holmes said that, “It [words] can hit you hard and it hurts. They have major power.” Words could be the thing that breaks someone or encourages them.

We have the power to completely destroy people with our tongue. The tongue is so powerful! It is the cause of most fires and/or disputes we experience. Proverbs 18:21 says that, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” The words you say are either death or life to someone. Everything you say is planting a seed; is it life or death?

When asked how much power words have, Christina Southern said, “Considering I use them everyday I would say they have power. A tiny word can change everything.” One huge problem that can be seen is although we are the body of Christ, we speak no different than unbelievers! We curse, use crude jokes, and completely underestimate the power words have. Many times in the church it is because our words have hurt someone that they decide to leave the church. Our sinful nature convinces us that what we say is fine as long as it is in a joking manner. We can say something completely hurtful but are okay with saying it because we were “joking.” This is completely skewed. As Rachel Symons said, “Words can either build you up or break you down.” As believers, our words need to be used to build up not break down.

There is a simple solution though: before we speak, think. I know this seems simple, but putting it in action is a daily choice. If we are truly striving after Christ our words should be used to edify one another not break down.

When faced with confrontation, it is easier to just react without thinking and say things we might not actually mean or regret later. In the long run, it is better to take the time to think before speaking. Yes, at that moment their words may hurt like a dodgeball in the face, but look past the words they are saying and see their heart behind it. Hurting people hurt people. Forgiveness needs to happen in order to move on. Although it is not something we always want to do, it needs to be done.

Many times during the school day we say we’re sorry but don’t truly mean it. We need to be sincere about it and actually take the time to try and correct it. Forgiveness is the best healing we can give/receive. Even if we feel like they don’t deserve forgiveness we need to give it to them because we didn’t deserve forgiveness when Christ died for us.

If we truly are striving after Christ, we must start living it out; not just faking it because we go to a Christian school.