In today's reading from James, we heard a warning about the power and danger of words, and a reminder about how difficult it is to tame the tongue.
We all have experiences where words have led to misunderstandings, caused hurt, and damaged relationships. And, if you've followed the news or social media this week, you've seen a perfect example of how quickly words spread, and the destructive power they hold.
A woman from Springfield, Ohio, posted in a local Facebook group claiming that Haitian residents had taken her friend's cat, hung it from a tree, and were carving it up to eat.
This rumor, which was not true, and not based on any evidence, was brought into the national consciousness after the accusation was repeated by Donald Trump in Tuesday evening’s presidential debate.
Suddenly posts and memes were everywhere, poking fun or doubling down on racists tropes and anti-immigrant sentiment. Even after the city's law enforcement officials said it wasn't true, that there was no evidence of Haitians or other immigrants eating pets, out-of-context photos and videos from other places and situations continued to be shared as “proof”.
All these words and images, shared far beyond one little Ohio town, left immigrants from Haiti and elsewhere feeling scared for their safety. Some schools and municipal buildings in Springfield were closed on Thursday and Friday after city officials received bomb threats.
The woman who first shared the post has since expressed surprise at how far her words had spread. She said she never intended it to be racist, and expressed regret about the whole situation, saying “It just exploded into something I didn’t mean to happen.”
Whatever her intent was in posting, the impact has been harmful and far-reaching. As we can see in this story, and from our own experience, our words can quickly take on a life of their own, far beyond our reach or control. Words are indeed powerful, and the image in the book of James about a spreading forest fire is an apt one.
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| Photo by Matt Howard on Unsplash |
Like a tiny spark or one smoldering coal can quickly become a blazing forest fire, hurtful words can spread quickly and scorch everything in their 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. Particularly in these days of social media, our words - whether true or not - spread more quickly and farther than ever before. And, once word gets out, it’s almost impossible to rein it back in or set the record straight.
Yes, our words are powerful, and our untamed tongues can cause much damage in our homes and communities and beyond.
With our words, we spread gossip and pass on information of varying levels of truthfulness.
With our words, we bully others, saying things intended to tear down, ostracize, and cause harm. We may 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 words, we stereotype and make unfair assumptions, dehumanizing “those who are made in the likeness of God.”
With our words, we make promises we aren’t able or don’t intend to keep.
With our words, we grumble and complain.
With our words, we make excuses, like “I was just joking” or “I didn’t mean it.”
Yes, our words can certainly get us into trouble and cause lots of heartache. Our words can harm our neighbors, people near and far, alike and different, who are also made in the image and likeness of God.
What is the good news in the midst of all that? The good news today is that even when our words cause harm, God’s word always brings salvation, wholeness, and life. God’s word speaks mercy, grace, and love. God’s word is for us, and these words are trustworthy and true.
We hear God’s word in Scripture, with stories of God’s faithfulness and love for all creation. We hear in the Bible stories about God’s particular attention and care for the vulnerable and marginalized – the orphans, and widows, and immigrants. 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 at 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 Communion 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 how we use our words, to make it our goal to build up and encourage one another. We can use our words in positive ways, to love our neighbors. We can use our words to call out damaging falsehoods and to ask questions and seek clarification rather than pass on misinformation. We can use our words to call out to God in prayer, and to share stories with others of God’s presence in our midst. We can use our words, as the prophet Isaiah writes, “to sustain the weary with a word.” We can use our words to apologize for wrongs we have done, and ask for and offer forgiveness. We can use our words to offer gratitude and appreciation and blessing.
Even as we reflect on the good our words can do, and commit to using our words with care, 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 that brings life and salvation. When all other words fall short, God’s life-giving word is there, and it is for you.
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