The Power of Words

This past week U.S. President Obama delivered an important speech on health care with legislators as his audience. Unlike our yappy parlimentary system where the Prime Minister is "fair game" for hecklers, in the States the President is usually shown great respect in these settings. A Republican congressman from South Carolina named Joe Wilson yelled out "you lie" at Obama. It sent shock waves through the country and Wilson apologized -- sort of. In a couple of days his Democratic opponent received $700,000 in donations, a strong statement of disapproval for Wilson from the public.

This was an interesting development as I wrote today's sermon called Taming Tongues. This is the heading in one bible for the passage in the book of James which condemns nasty speech. The writer says that cruel words are evil and like the spark which starts a forest fire.

I have seen and experienced the effect of incendiary speech in congregations. Unfortunately churches are often home for gossip and criticism.

I have also witnessed the power of thoughtful and encouraging speech from church members who use their words to build up rather than break down.

Whether the words we use are public or private, we need to recognize their power.