In a recent sermon, I encouraged the congregation to promote unity by avoiding negative talk, criticism and gossip, the unproven, sometimes inaccurate or malicious information passed along by people who want you to think they’re “in the know.” Gossip is destructive to the church, erodes the fellowship, and undermines God’s activity.
Former Lifeway Christian Resources President Thom Rainer wrote, “ . . . few things can destroy the unity of a church like gossip. A unified church is powerful. Gossip tears apart that unity and renders a church powerless.”
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The New Testament book of James addresses the power of the tongue (see 3:3–10). James 3:5 reads, “See how great a forest a little fire kindles! The tongue is a fire.” …
Words matter because they have tremendous power. Our words can build people up or tear people down, can heal or wound, can unify or divide. They can inspire or manipulate.
As Proverbs 18:21 reads, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
American author Jessamyn West said, “A broken bone can heal, but the wound a word opens can fester forever.” …
In February, an 11-year-old girl took her own life in Gainesville, Texas, after being subjected to relentless bullying by classmates over her immigration status. Her peers taunted and frightened her, telling her that her parents could be deported and she’d be all alone. …
Let’s realize the power of our words and be careful to use our words wisely. As Proverbs 12:18 reads, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Do our words honor Christ? Do our words bring healing?
EDITOR’S NOTE — This first-person story is an excerpt of articles written by David L. Chancey, who lives in Fayetteville, Georgia. He serves as transitional pastor at Eagle’s Landing Baptist in Griffin, Georgia.
