good words

Words have power. They do things. They change relationships. They create possibilities. They destroy futures. What we say is important.

Of course some words fall very flat when they aren't matched by action, but words alone are still quite powerful. That is why I think what we say to others must be creative and life-giving, rather than destructive, hurtful, or offensive. I sometimes find myself using the cheap 'humor' of sarcasm. I think sarcasm is a back door into mean-speak. It's a stab in joke's clothing.

I want to be more than nice and polite. I want to be the kind of person (purity of heart) who speaks only what is beneficial (purity of speech) to the people and the world around me.

Good words require a good heart. Good words are possible when our hearts are rightly oriented toward other people, and toward God. We speak what is beneficial to others when we really want what is good and right and best for them. We gladly set aside any would-be 'freedom-to-say-whatever-I-want' for the sake of someone else's well being.

I want my words to bring hope. I want my words to help people see that they have value and are loved. I want my words to be agents of truth and reconciliation. I want my words to invite people into goodness and mercy. I want my words to help people see the possibility they refuse to see in themselves. I want my words to offend for the right reasons. I want my words to be good.