Although actions may speak louder than words, an old proverb describes well-spoken words as golden apples set in silver, as an image of nourishment, value, and elegance.
Words can inspire a range of emotions and actions.
Talking about long-held bitter memories or morbid fears, or writing them down, is a proven way to drain emotional toxins from them.
For despite our regrets, the past cannot be changed, while God’s grace can open doors for new beginnings in the future.
History is sadly littered with damage from words that have fed hate, fear or resentment, or when religions have claimed sole rights to God’s favour.
More nobly, in the rarified academic air of ancient Greece, philosophers sought to detect and define the ultimate word – or logos – the key to understanding and unlocking the secrets of the universe.
Saint John, an early church leader, addressed this search, describing God as this logos, stepping into our world as a human through Jesus – actively involved with us instead of remaining a remote, academic tease.
This description opens the way for philosophers and for the rest of us to step back from trying to understand God, who is beyond our capacity to fully understand.
So now anyone may accept his invitation to personally know him through Jesus’ teaching and ministry.
Over years of pastoring, it has been a privilege to see all kinds of people grow this relationship from a newfound sense of security that combines stability with stimulus.
The stability comes from relaxing in God’s understanding and love for us, as he accepts us and applies his grace to our mistaken actions and attitudes.
Yet this stability is not rigid or static; for when life throws curveballs our way, God helps us to maintain or quickly restore our balance.
Throughout this stability adventure, he quietly radiates his grace to anyone within reach, seeking for them to become aware that he is also there for them.
The stimulus within this stability comes through fresh insights and energy to face blockages or challenges and to see how we may work through them or climb over them.
These stimuli invite us to join him in expressing his care for others in need – personally, through existing supports or by launching new agencies.
And as the effects reach beyond our own interests or hopes, we may see people increasingly powered by words like confidence, respect, purpose and generosity.
Noel Mitaxa
On behalf of a church near you, inviting you to explore God’s love