words matter

i'm pretty passive when it comes to things of a political nature. 

and so i will willfully neglect to comment on my views (which i'm not even fully decided or firm on) about today's events.

 i didn't even know anything was happening until i checked social media, honestly.  

all i know is that what i read hurt my heart. 

the content, somewhat, but mostly the delivery is what affected me, and so i must say it: WORDS MATTER TO GOD! He has been laying this theme on me heavy for weeks now. 

elihu in the book of job says best how my heart feels:

"i too will have my say, 

i too will tell what I know. 

for i am full of words, 

and the spirit within me compels me;

inside i am like bottled-up wine, 

like new wineskins ready to burst.

i must speak and find relief; 

i must open my lips and reply. 

i will show no partiality, 

nor will i flatter anyone"

{Job 32:17-21}

from the WORD of God, i know this much for sure: 

He used spoken word to call the world into existence.

He used words to display His power time and again: the burning bush, the tower of babel, the muteness  of Zechariah... 

He calls Himself the Word.

He, the Word, came into the world and preached with words. 

people often say that "actions speak louder than words," which can be true, but i know from experience and from what my Lord tells me that this is no excuse not to be careful with your words. 

...."for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of" {Matthew 12:34}

if this is true, i've seen a lot of hearts full of bitterness and self-righteousness today on both sides of the issue. 

..."do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" {Ephesians 4:29}

i can't say i've been benefitted or built up today as i've scrolled through my newsfeed, except for a select few posts that resonate with and inspired my own. 

... like a bit in the mouth of a horse, a rudder on a ship, or a small spark to a fire, the tongue can do powerful things, for better or for worse. and we use it in such contradictory, harmful ways {James 3}

my way of indecision is certainly not the answer, and i'm not promoting passivity. i still have some wrestling with the Lord to do on many issues, the one at hand included. but like jacob in genesis 32, i pray that my wrestling allows me time with Him, that i may see His face and receive His blessing. 

hear me, it is good that many of you have established your opinion, that you are participating in the world, as we have been called to do. i do realize that you have a right to speak what you believe. just, please, do so kindly. as my friend erica put it, "in the end both sides are fighting about love..." 

fighting? about love? this is silly people. talk about love with love, with passion.