“Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets.”–Hebrews 1:1

“Stick and stones may break my bones
But words will never hurt me.”

Oh how untrue are these words. Words do matter. Words can build up but more often than not, words break down. Words can affirm, but too often words hurt those around us. We must be more careful about how we use our words in this world.

The Word, made flesh Jesus Christ, came into the world to remind us that light not darkness, life not death has the final word. Yet too often the world is full of so much hatred and darkness. Jesus came into the world as the Word made flesh because God loves us that much.

Are we willing to use our words to build up? Or are we willing to simply shut up and listen to those around us? The truth is that we must listen to one another. We must build up and live our lives sharing the love of God in the world. Our words and actions need to embody goodness.

We may not always believe the same things. But the important thing is we must listen to one another. We must understand where each of God’s beloved children are coming from.

God continues to speak through God’s one and only Son Jesus Christ our Lord. The Word made flesh who calls us to shut up and listen to his life, ministry and death.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things came into being through Him and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”–John 1:1-5

Use your words wisely, my friends. And if you are not going to use them wisely, perhaps you need to take a breathe, close your mouth and simply listen!!!