Our platforms for communication are endless. For the past few years we have enjoyed a variety of soapboxes—Twitter, Facebook messaging, Instagram, texting, calling, and, of course, snail mail. People are communicating more than ever. Long distances that once separated loved ones are lessened with Skype. Young adults in college can text Mom “I’ll be home for Easter.” Siblings can SnapChat a picture of their lunch.
There are over 100 Bible verses pertaining to the power of words. Even in a time of shifting technology, these verses are still relevant. Proverbs 12:18 says, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Similarly, Proverbs 29:20 reads, “Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”
Words that are “reckless” or “in haste” can hurt like “swords” or make a “fool” out of us. With the evolution of smartphones, we can send out a message in only a few seconds. We can even avoid words altogether and use emojis! However, sarcasm doesn’t always translate well when read from a phone. That post about the fun you are having with your friends may be hard for someone who is feeling lonely. We should be careful not to use our wonderful technology thoughtlessly.
Many of us do take time with our messages. Not everyone has thumbs glued to their phones. However, words are slippery things. They come out of our mouths or keyboards faster than we can pull them back. So often we don’t know what we are saying until it is said and someone is hurt.
It is important to watch what we say, or to use that edit button. We might be connoisseurs of technology, but our words require extra care, no matter the medium. Our words, so very close to our thoughts, communicate who we are in Christ. Our family, friends, and those around us desire us to walk the walk. Sometimes that also means talking the talk.
About the Author
Kristin Schmitt is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. She lives in Hudsonville, Michigan.
