WORDS THAT BLESS

        Human language is very important. It is the method by which we  communicate to each other the directions, concerns or emotions we have. We use some words often most days as we greet people saying “hello,” or “goodbye” as we leave them. 

        In most languages there are single words that can be used to mean more than one thing, depending on when and where it is used. For example, the Hebrew word “shalom” can be used when greeting as well as leaving someone. The same is true of the Hawaiian “aloha”, the Italian “ciao” or “ya’at’eeh” (yehtaHEY), a word the Navajo people often use both when greeting or leaving someone. 

        Most of us take for granted the words we use each day without realizing their root. “Goodbye”, for example, is a contraction from the Old English phrase, “God be with ye.” That phrase would be nice to hear coming or going, but we use it only when going.

        God has blessed us with languages. This is true because of the words that tell us of His love for us in Jesus. “This is love, not that we love God, but that He loved us and gave His Son as the means by which our sins are forgiven.” (1 John 4:10)  That’s a favorite verse of mine.

        Words may also hurt us, but we are blessed when we use them for good. Think of how you are blessed by words you say and hear today.

Lord, help us use words to build others up today.

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com