I was reminded this week of the power of language. There was a phrase on the bulletin insert that hooked one congregant to the point that the rest of worship became difficult. Another worshipper was offended by a particular tone I took during my sermon. Our student minister offered liturgical words for the first time and was struck by the feelings that evoked. Words can hurt and words can heal. I don't believe in magic words like incantations, but I do believe in the power of words. That is why it is so important to measure our words, to think before we speak. How much of the current divisiveness in our nation could be avoid by simply toning down the rhetoric?
Anyone who knows me knows that I am passionate about many topics. In the past I have been quick with an opinion that too often was thrown out as an assault, arrogantly assuming no room for adjustment. Becoming a pastor has taught me that if I want to persuade the hearts and minds of people that I need to be in a relationship with that person that allows me to be heard. Thus, I have been learning how to look before leaping. I'm still not all that good at it, but I have been finding that finding common ground and withholding opinions that cause rifts has yielded tremendous fruit.
And I don't think this is a lesson just for me as a pastor. We are all called to share the good news of God's tremendous love for each and every person we meet. How can you answer that call when you see nothing but walls with no doors? Friends, the walls don't build themselves, so if we can build them, we can also tear them down.
