The Power of Words

Today’s message was written by Rev. Dr. Roger Kunkel, founder of Dial Hope.

Some of you have seen the very popular Life’s Little Instruction Book. It contains a series of short, pertinent sayings that give helpful advice for living. A companion volume entitled Life’s Little Instruction Book for Preachers could well include the following:

 

1. Never insult anybody, but especially not the chairperson of the finance committee.
2. Never begin your sermon with the words “knock, knock!”
3. And never, ever say, “And finally…” unless you really mean it.

 

Communication: what a miracle that is! The transmission of ideas and feelings through words – no mystery is greater than that. “In the beginning was the word.” We do not live by bread alone. We live by words. A word can lift up or push down. A word can make us glad or sad. Words can inspire and brighten our spirits or they can crush and deflate our souls. Words can motivate and encourage. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up… (I Thessalonians 5:11) Friend of Dial Hope, affirm someone today with a TA-DA!, and build them up.

Let us pray: You have shown us, O God, what is good: to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with you. Transform our words into messages of hope and love. Let our souls flower in gentleness, kindness, peace, and goodwill. Watch over the men and women serving our country overseas. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.