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In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues

 

The power of words

We need to consider our words carefully because the tongue is a fire that can harm and destroy (James 3:6).

 

Context

Hot button topics can be hard to speak about without getting angry. ‘Difficult decision’, ‘no choice’ or ‘robbing pensioners’? How should we discuss the contested cut to Winter Fuel Allowance?

Kamala Harris criticises Donald Trump’s falsehoods and elsewhere, Donald Trump has plainly indicated a retribution agenda if he regains the White House. Will voters be surprised if his poisonous words are turned into dangerous actions if elected?

In Britain we say we believe in free speech and the right to protest but our actions, law changes and the targeting of climate protestors in particular do not match our words about democracy.

Following the success of AfD in elections in Thuringia and Saxony, attention shifts to how language can be used to call out the dangers of extremism and to avoid the normalisation of words and attitudes once seen as dangerous.

 

Reflection and ideas for a sermon, talk or conversation

The Bible contains many reminders of the power of our words to build up or to tear down. We sing in praise of God and speak about loving our neighbour but if our words, choices and lives are causing harm, our worship loses its integrity (James 3:9). What we say can impact others in deep and long-lasting ways and positive communication can sometimes change our relationships. In a world full of extreme opinions and the means to amplify lies it is increasingly important to dial down our rhetoric. Politicians do not always lead the way. Who is offering a good example?

Is it true to say ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me’ when many of us have an experience of the deep hurt that can be caused by words - throwaway remarks, thoughtless comments, name calling, sarcasm, verbal bullying or worse. The impact on young people in particular can be devastating. The Anti-Bullying alliance is clear about how important it is to prevent the harm that bullying causes 

Much has been said about the coarsening of public discourse and the unhelpful style of debate in politics. The church, however, is called to set an example and to match our words about love for our neighbour with actions that speak the same message. How can we discuss difficult issues with those with whom we deeply disagree without resorting to using language in inappropriate ways? What happens when we ‘lose it’? Gossip can destroy communities and damage relationships and churches are not immune. How do we guard against this given that ‘the tongue is a restless evil’ (James 3:8) and ‘we all stumble in many ways’? (James 3:2).

The writer of Isaiah 50 says that God ‘wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught’ (Is 50:4). Perhaps we should listen to ourselves more to understand how our words ‘land’. Explaining things to another person can help us reconsider how we are using language. Are there practical ways to help us all to get better at explaining what we believe in ways that are clear and inclusive?

Leaders can set the tone. Forbes have produced a checklist on mindful language for leaders in business environments. Do we as church have things to learn about how we can use language in positive ways and about how we can disagree but with generosity, integrity and humour?

When we are silenced we feel our lives have been unbearably limited. Consider together the parts of our world where particular groups are silenced or repressed including women in Afghanistan, who describe themselves as walking dead. As a community, do we sometimes silence others because their message is uncomfortable? 

 

Questions for discussion

• Kamala Harris and Donald Trump debated under some strict rules. Should we have ‘rules of engagement’ for our sometimes heated discussions in church meetings?
• How can we better support families and carers in dealing with the impact of bullying on the lives of children and young people?
• How can language contribute to exclusion and disempowerment in our community?
• Should taming our tongue be taken more seriously as we seek to grow in faith and what practical measures can we share for reflecting on this?

 

Diane Craven is a Freelance Education and Spirituality Consultant and a Licensed Lay Minister in the Church of England.

 

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

Some weeks are just a bit ordinary.

Perhaps this week (at least at the time of writing) falls into that category. Summer is over, school and our regular routines are back in place. There’s plenty of serious stuff going on in the news, but no novel stories.

Nothing noteworthy.

Unless you’re the person who compiles the list of Daily Holidays. Then there’s no end of excitement

For instance, let’s just say the 15^th of September is big news for any hat-lovers. The celebrations for both ‘Felt Hat Day’ and ‘Make a Hat Day’ will be in full swing! And, if food is more your thing, there’s plenty to whet appetite, from ‘Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie Day’ to “National Double Cheeseburger Day”.

However, in the light of today’s passage about the impact of our words, one holiday stood out for the15^th of September- ‘International Day of Democracy.”

This week there was a presidential debate as part of the run-up to the USA November election, whilst in Westminster there’s been a debate and vote on winter fuel allowances. Often in politics words ended up being used to wound and divide and yet our politics work best for all of us, when politicians speak with truth, integrity and compassion.

Indeed, all aspects of life work better when we use our words to unite rather than divide.  How about this 15^th of September, whilst we doff our home-made felt hats and eat our cinnamon buns/double cheeseburger, we practise using our words to heal, build trust and show some love and gratitude?

It might not be noteworthy, but it sure would make a difference.

 

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