This sermon was preached on September 15 & 16, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, using James 3:1-12.
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How many of us have been told in response to teasing or
name-calling that “sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never
hurt me.” It’s a nice sentiment, I guess. Catchy. The only problem? It’s not
true. Words have a lot of power. Words have the ability to slice right to our
weakest, most vulnerable parts. Words can leave lasting, painful scars which are
just as real as those scars that are visible to the eye.
I’m sure that each of us can quickly call to mind a time that
someone’s words hurt us. Perhaps it took place years ago, but the offending
words are as clear in your memory as if it was yesterday. Something that was
meant as a flippant comment, spoken and quickly forgotten, managed to take up
space in your head and has not left, all these years later. Maybe it was a
family member, or someone at work, or someone at church. Biting words are that
much more painful when they come from someone we know and love.
Now, it’s true that we can choose to let hurtful words roll off
our back; can consider the source and chalk it up to ignorance or
insensitivity. But of course this is easier said than done.
The writer of our New Testament reading from James understands the
power of words, saying, “So also the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it
boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And
the tongue is a fire.”
Like a blazing forest fire, a fiery tongue can spread quickly and
scorch everything in its path. Sometimes, our careless words start fires we
never intended to set, and cause hurt that we aren’t even aware of. And, though
the fire burns quickly, the recovery process often takes much, much longer.
With our tongues, we spread gossip.
With our tongues, we act as bullies, saying things intended to
tear down, ostracize, and cause harm. We try to be funny or have a biting
comeback, but do so at the expense of the dignity or well-being of another.
With our tongues, we stereotype and make unfair assumptions,
dehumanizing “those who are made in the likeness of God.”
With our tongues, we make promises we aren’t able or don’t intend
to keep.
With our tongues, we grumble and complain.
With our tongues, we allow words to race forth from our mouths
without the important reflection of responsible discourse - is it true? Is it
necessary? Is it kind?
Yes, our tongues can certainly get us into trouble and cause lots
of heartache.
While this passage from James seems to focus on the negative
impacts of our words, we know that the opposite is also true. Proverbs 16:24
tells us, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and
health to the body.” Sometimes, we get it right, and we speak in a way that
builds up and comforts those around us.
With our tongues, we share commonalities, so that no one must feel
alone in their experiences.
With our tongues, we share words of support and encouragement and
healing.
With our tongues, we teach one another about all the wonderful
things God has made.
With our tongues, we share stories of God’s presence within and
among us, stories of God’s care and provision.
With our tongues, we apologize for the wrongs we have said and
done, giving and receiving forgiveness.
With our tongues, we give thanks, showing gratitude and
appreciation.
Ultimately, though, our tongue gets us into more trouble than it
ever gets us out of. As James puts it, “no one can tame the tongue.” As long as
we are around other people, as long as we are part of a community, we cannot
escape being hurt by words.
The good news today is that even when our words cause harm, God’s words
always bring salvation, wholeness, and life. God’s words speak mercy, grace,
and love. God’s words are for us, and they are trustworthy and true.
We hear God’s word in Scripture, with stories of God’s
faithfulness and love for all creation. We hear about God’s particular
attention and care for the vulnerable and marginalized. We hear about God’s
willingness to show mercy, to forgive stubborn, wayward people again and again.
We hear about God’s people - people like us - ordinary, flawed people who have
been empowered and strengthened to do God’s work in the world.
We hear God’s words to us in the waters of baptism - you are
forgiven. You are loved. You are mine. You belong - to this community in this
place, and to the body of Christ that stretches across time and space. You have
been sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.
Forever!
We hear God’s words to us in the meal - you are forgiven. You are
loved. There is a place for you at this table. This is the body and blood of
Christ, given and shed for you.
Words matter. They can build up, or tear down. They can cause harm
or give life. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be intentional about the
words we use, to make it our goal to build up and encourage one another.
Even so, we remember that our words cannot save us. It is not
possible to be kind enough, or wise enough, or witty enough to make ourselves
right with God. We cannot say the right thing, or the wrong thing, to either
earn or jeopardize our place in God’s presence.
Instead, we cling tightly to the only word that can save
us - the living word of God, made flesh in the person of Jesus, who came to
dwell among us, full of grace and truth. This word of God is the only word that
will not fail us, the only word that will not cause harm, the only word we can
trust. When all other words fall short, God’s life-giving word is there, and it
is for you. Jesus is for you. For this we say thanks be to God. Amen.
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