Bible Study: 1 John 4, 19 to 5, 4. And Luke 4, 14 to 22.
As human beings, one of the ways we share in the image of God is our
ability to produce intelligible and meaningful words with our mouths. As St.
John writes, in the beginning was the word and the word was with God. By words,
God spoke creation into reality. “Let there be light, and there was light… and
so on.” And when God came to the creation of man, he spoke him into being and
not only that he spoke a powerful blessing into him such that the man God
created became a fellow creator having a share in God’s power of speech.
When we speak, we not only make sounds, we also create. Words are
powerful! The whole world as you see it today is a product of words. When the
right words are said at the right time, things happen. The power of words comes
from the fact that once produced, they can never be taken back into the mouth. Within
each word that proceeds from our lips, there is a command, and the world around
us listens with its large invisible ears and obeys. Words can either create or
destroy. The greatest privilege we have as humans made in God’s image is our
ability to produce words and so we must thank God each day and learn to use our
words wisely.
As we continue to reflect on what gifts to present to the Infant Jesus
following the steps of the wise men, today our readings enjoin upon us to offer
to Jesus the gift of this precious possession we have, the gift of our speech.
In our Gospel passage this morning, we see Jesus in the temple in
Synagogue using words to pass across a deep message of blessing, favour, good
news, restoration and release to the people. As Luke tells us, “And all spoke
well of him, and wondered at the GRACIOUS WORDS WHICH PROCEEDED OUT OF HIS
MOUTH.” Luke 4, 22.
If words are so powerful, then note that the most powerful combination
of words we can ever produce is this: “I Love You.” Those three words when
spoken properly, truthfully and meaningfully can turn the whole world around.
If you have ever heard those words from a person before and you know that the
person meant what he or she was saying, you would agree with me the powerful
effect it had or still has in your entire being. Even God himself rejoices when
he hears those words from us. But as St. John tells us in today’s first
reading, “If anyone says, I Love God and yet, hates his brother, he is a liar.”
Use your words to create. Never utter a word from your lips without
first checking within yourself whether or not what you are saying is true or
the effect of your words on anyone listening. Use your words as gifts to Jesus.
Deliberately talk about Jesus to your fellow brothers and sisters, speak well
of him and follow up your speech with your actions.
Choose your words carefully. Always use words that edify and build up,
never speak when you are angry lest your words become curses rather than
blessing. The more positive your words are, the better our world itself would
become. Continuous use of negative words not only pollutes your heart as the
speaker, it also creates a more hostile world. Bless and do not curse. Speak
Gratitude rather than Complain.
For the fact that you are making a gift of your speech to Jesus, from
this day henceforth, speak only gracious words as Jesus did in today’s Gospel
Passage.
Let us Pray:
Lord Jesus, I give you my speech, may I always select what I say or
refuse to say in honour of you. Amen.
God bless you. Good morning. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is
well with you.
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