Pastor's Ponderings, May 16, 2016

Speak Healing Words to a Hurting World

Don Henley wrote a song in 1982 called “Dirty Laundry”.  Part of the lyrics were “Kick 'em when they're up, Kick 'em when they're down, Kick 'em when they're up, Kick 'em all around.”  These words shed light on the corporate media and other news outlets that demand new scandals, political firestorms, and fresh news of a voyeuristic interest.  Controversial media discussions lead to private conversations that may engender personal conflicts, unsubstantiated gossip, and slander. But interest in other people’s lives is nothing new.

On May 22, 1856, in the United States Congress, Representative Preston Brooks attacked and nearly killed Senator Charles Sumner with a walking cane merely because of a speech. Presidents have been accused of fathering children out of wedlock, including Warren Harding, Thomas Jefferson, and John Tyler among others.  Vice President Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel in 1804 due to long standing conflicts. People have been gossiping, slandering, and tearing down others since forever, but the Bible says that God hates it (Proverbs 6:16, 19 and there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). 

When we hear people disparaging others, we must agree with Robert Estabrook who wrote that we can “disagree without being disagreeable.” God wants our words to be precious like apples of gold in pictures of silver (Proverbs 25:11).  Our words should not engender conflict, or be hateful, or be dismissive of others, but we should rather speak wise words from our heart that encourages others (Colossians 4:6).

We are the light of the world; we can pray for healing in sick situations, and we can ask God for wisdom in a world that is crying in darkness, distress, and disappointment. We can speak peace in tumultuous situations (Psalms 85:8).  Let us speak healing words in places full of pain, conflict, and horror.

Ecclesiastes 1:9
New International Version (NIV)

9 What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.

10 Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.

Proverbs 6:16, 19
New International Version (NIV)

16 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:

19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

Proverbs 25:11
Amplified Bible (AMP)

11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken at the right time.

Colossians 4:6
Amplified Bible (AMP)

6 Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you].

Psalms 85:8

New International Version (NIV)
8 I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants-- but let them not turn to folly