Never Underestimate

It has been said that the words can build up or destroy, that the tongue has the power of life and death. In one sentence, we hold the choice to criticize and condemn, or encourage and uplift.

Since words are a reflection of the contents of our hearts, if our words do not point to Him, perhaps it is wiser to silence ourselves until our hearts are changed lest we are held accountable to the destruction we will cause -- seen or unseen.

It's not unthinkable that our words and lives may be the most powerful resource we have as witnesses to Christ. What do our words say about Who we serve? Who do they point to, ourselves, or Him?

By using words that honor Him, we are a light in this broken world, a positive difference that builds up, encourages, teaches and leads. It's much more than words, but how we live our lives -- words not lived are empty words.

Ato Sam, our Compassion son from Ghana, beautifully illustrated how crucial words are to every relationship we're entrusted with. In the letter we received from him tonight (another 6 pages!), he shares the following treasure:

"He said that he thanks God for not allowing your enemy to overcome you. He says he was astonished about what you have told him. He says that this shows him that God truly exists. Ato adds that he now knows that with God, all thing are possible and he would join you in battle to win over the enemy."

Not allowing satan to overcome me, not giving in to fear and disbelief... caused a boy on the other side of the world to believe that God truly exists. There was no way of knowing that what God led me to share with Ato Sam in my letter to him would present itself as proof that He exists...

Now, how will I find the words to tell him how blessed I am that the heart and life of a child of such tender years, a child I haven't yet met, has helped shape my life and encouraged and fueled my faith? I have only known this ten year old boy through his words, and I feel a great responsibility to let him know that his words have had a tremendous impact on me, that through his words, my life has been changed for the better, my faith has been fueled, my love has grown...

God will give me the words Ato Sam needs to hear. Again. He has, and will continue to do so. I must simply continue to seek Him and surrender to Him.




How have you used your words to heal, to uplift, to share Christ, to give joy today?