Chapter 8
Listening to the words of Moses and Jesus, this chapter underlines the importance of language in both the sacred and the ordinary. A few biblical verses are also used to showcase the duality of words. Words that bless and curse the situations we are in and therefore lead us to contemplate on the crucial role of authenticity in our actions.
The Power behind WordsÂ
The power that is contained within words is remarkable. They can heal or hurt, build up or tear down, to bring light or to spread darkness. This was a power that Jesus knew quite well, for his words were meant to be a source of life for others. However he equally cautioned about the downside of unguarded or unwholesome speech. They are actions well worthy of being defined as sinful? Our words do betray what is in our hearts and can be quite damaging: "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit"— in this respect Moses made a dramatic warning about the effect of words (Proverbs 18: 21). Words are the focal point of this chapter. We focus on words as God’s ambassadors and representatives, where the Word of God is in the center of our lives.
Words aren't Empty
In Exodus 32:11–13, we can see God’s influence somewhat through the words of Moses. The words Moses uses, pleading with God on Israel’s behalf highlight the importance of words. The people worshipped the image of a golden calf. God was going to wipe them out completely. Moses’ appeals—his emotional passion—turned the tide: "Yet Moses returned to the LORD who was ready to destroy his people, saying, ‘O Lord, why does your anger burn against your people whom you brought out from the land of Egypt with great power and with a strong hand?’" (Exodus 32:11).
It cannot be stressed enough that Moses words were not empty words, they had substance. His appeal flows, as it were, from love, and from humility in such a manner that, it reminded God of his love for Moses and the people. This is a powerful reminder of the capabilities of our spoken words when aligned with God’s ordained purposes. They speak into situations and bring about change, healing and restoration where it is needed.
Words may be constructive in most circumstances, however, they are also capable of destruction. Defilement by the usage of words has been defined as the “fire.” Untamed tongues causes harm beyond words. Of course, the tongue is a double-edged sword: some people have engaged in articulating words that they really do not wish to be spoken. As the saying goes, “the usage of words is like a power.” James 3:6 states, "The tongue is a fire, a world of wickedness in the parts of the body. It defiles the entire body, sets the course of one’s whole life on fire, and is itself doomed to hell.” In fact, Jesus indicated that people should be able to acknowledge the way things ought to be: everything that comes out of the mouth is of the heart. The bible says that when one’s heart is fully trapped with resentment, conceit or rage, it is undeniably expectable that curses will be the product. On the contrary, if our hearts are filled with these qualities: love, humility and grace – then, everything that we speak of will bless it (Patterson).
The Power behind Actions
Words have power but so do our actions, as Jesus often pointed out. Mathew 25:35-40 shows how acts of compassion are not only powerful, but are also essential in our walk with Christ. Jesus taught us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and so forth, these are the actions of God: "I was hungry ,and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited me in, I needed clothes, and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." It is clear that whatever action we do is a representation of what in our heart. While it is possible to motivate and uplift others through words, actions also show what's in one’s heart. As Apostle James puts it: "so faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17). It is not enough to speak our faith, it must produce results.
Words, Actions and God's Will
The challenge is to ensure that we speak and act according to God’s will. Where there is coherence between what people say and do, then such words and actions are useful instruments in the dissemination of God’s glory and the freedoms that comes with it. However, the opposite is also true– where we honor God with our lips but deny Christ in our hearts. Let us not love with words and actions alone but with our hearts as well. So that we remain connected, we ought to remain compassionate. Ask yourselves, "Do my words carry the message of God’s mercy, or are they clouded with selfishness and pride? Does my heart reflect the word of God, or does my words and actions deny it?
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In the process of growing in our relationship with God, our speech and our conduct will change and fill us with the right words. I encourage you to analyze the application of words and actions in this life God has blessed and not cursed.