W O R D S

Words

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

Although this won’t publish until tomorrow, in my Names of Jesus Advent Calendar (https://sweethoneycomb.com.au), Day 1 is the Word. I have been tossing around a blog idea dealing with our words for a few weeks, but I didn’t want the typical perspective on our words. I wanted it framed within Jesus and the Gospel. The reminder that the Word is one of Jesus’ names was exactly what I was looking for.

John starts his gospel with, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-5)

Along with John 1:14, I think we can glean several truths about the Word and how that impacts our words. Do you remember Genesis chapter 1? Each day it says, “God said…” and something was created. God spoke. God’s Word went out. John tells us that the Word is Jesus, and it is Jesus who created everything including you and me (Psalm 139:13-16). He has also redeemed us; bought us with a price. He not only created us in His image, but He made us His own. John 1:4 tells us that in Jesus was life and that life is the light of men. That life and light are our salvation.

In both creating and redeeming us, God gave us identity and purpose. The Westminster Shorter Catechism states it this way, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and enjoy Him forever.” A primary way we glorify God is with our words, so what does that look like?

First, if the Word is life and light, our words should reflect that same life and light. Our words should reveal Who we belong to. John 1:5 states that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There is darkness all around us. Your co-worker, someone at school or a neighbor may feel like they are drowning in darkness whether that is depression, anxiety, hopelessness, grief, anger or something else. As a Christian with the very Spirit of God indwelling you and God’s written Word at your disposal, you have life and light. You have hope to share. In Christ the Word, you have all that is needed to keep the darkness from overcoming those around you. Are you sharing that Good News? Are you speaking to others as another made in the image of God just like you?

Second, John explains that Jesus the Word is full of grace and truth. If you think about Jesus’ interactions with others, He spoke and acted in grace. He had compassion. He recognized that people were lost and hurting. He often addressed physical needs while simultaneously meeting their spiritual need. This is where truth comes in. Jesus showed grace. He still does, but He also is Truth and speaks truth.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) God’s Word teaches – others may not know what God’s Word says or what it means. God’s Word is used for reproof – we all sin. We all can be blind to the log in our own eye. We need someone, in grace, to come along side us and help us see what we can’t. God’s Word corrects – We do not have perfect understanding of life or Scripture. God’s Word helps correct our thinking and align it with God’s ways. God’s Word trains us in righteousness – we need instruction how to live, and often God uses another person to help us understand and walk beside us as we grow in sanctification. God’s Word also encourages, comforts and brings joy (Psalm 119:52, 54, 103).

When we talk to others, are our words filled with grace and truth? Are we immersed in Scripture ourselves, so that we can then share that truth with others? Do our words reveal a heart that cares about the other person and a desire to build them up and encourage them in their faith? Or do our words tear them down while building ourselves up? If we are asked for advice, do we respond with emotions and our own “wisdom” or do we counsel in accordance with God’s Word?

I am a visual person, so often diagraming or sketching (in my non-“artisticness”) a truth helps me remember it as well as posting it around the house. I think if I remembered even these five truths, it would change my words and in turn glorify the Word and build up others.

I would encourage you to consider some of your word interactions from today or yesterday. Did they reflect the Word, life, light, grace and truth? If not, how can you purpose to change that the next time you talk to that person? What about reaching out right now and asking for their forgiveness? That itself reflects the Word, life, light, grace and truth.

Finally, make Psalm 19:14 your prayer: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.”