Recently President Donald Trump has taken heavy criticism for comments he made about looking into using disinfectants and UV light as cures for COVID-19. (Please note: this is not a political commentary.) While some people are still debating what he actually said, or intended to say, what is clear is that drinking or injecting household disinfectants (and being exposed to high levels of UV light) can be quite lethal. In an attempt to quell the criticism, the president clarified his remarks by saying that he was just being sarcastic.
Now while most people’s words do not carry the same weight and have the same impact that the words of the President of the United States do, our words still have power. Words spoken to a child, a teammate, an employee, a partner, a friend, even a stranger have the ability to make or break their day. Sometimes the words we speak, even the words we don’t think are heard, can change the course of another person’s life.
God calls His followers to be responsible with the power of our words. We are to speak words that build others up, that give life, that provide healing, that are filled with grace. Even though sometimes we mess up and say the wrong thing, we can’t hide from the damage we’ve caused, but redouble our commitment to use the power of our words for good. This is why Paul tells us, “When you talk, don’t say anything bad. But say the good things that people need—whatever will help them grow stronger. Then what you say will be a blessing to those who hear you” (Ephesians 4:29). May others find our words to be a continual source of encouragement and blessing!