The Robins proclaim both their own and springs arrival through song, ending the winter’s silence with their robust and distinctive singing; a cheery rolling trill. It was a Robin’s loud, persistent, and forceful chirp that caught my ear this morning and got me thinking. Their songs are a form of communication. The Robin uses his song to establish and defend his territory. In a sense he uses his words to proclaim and defend.
Ephesians 6:17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (NIV)
Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me. Years ago this old children’s rhyme was often chanted back at the bullies who were using hurtful words as weapons. In essence the victims were defending themselves with their words by saying, Go ahead and say whatever you will, those names won’t hurt me! Children had discovered and harnessed the power of words for both good and evil.
Whether we’re hit by sticks and stones, weapons or words, the end result is injury, pain, and sometimes death. Words carry the power to: hurt or heal, discourage or inspire, proclaim victory or defeat. God’s word tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. He instructs us to put on our spiritual armour because the words we speak are being used either for or against us here and in the spiritual realm. God understood and demonstrated the power of words. He created everything with His Word. Jesus was the living Word here on earth. Jesus taught his followers using parables; spiritual lessons told through words put in a context that people would understand. We have access to Gods Word on the pages of the Bible. These words will guide and instruct, heal and inspire. The wise King Solomon wrote Proverbs 4:20-22 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. (NIV)
What are our words doing? Do they bring victory or defeat? We should be like the Robins in the springtime and boldly proclaim God’s Word by carefully choosing and using our words to encourage, inspire, comfort, and support all those who hear them. 1 John 2:5-7 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought to also himself walk just as He walked. (NKJV)
Prayer Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us and creating us in Your image. Thank you for demonstrating the creative power our words wield – they are sharper than a double-edged sword. Thank you for leaving us Your Spirit-filled Words of instruction in the Bible. As we come to recognize the power and effect of the words we speak, help us choose and use those words wisely. Help us walk as Jesus walked. In Jesus Precious Name we pray. Amen.
London, Ontario, Canada