THE WEIGHT OF WORDS

a personal reflection on Gospel Matthew 8:5-17 (June 30)

The judge bangs the gavel on the wooden base & declares - “Guilty as charged!” Then the officers lead the suspect out of the trial court.

The doctor reads the patient’s lab result & then says “You need to change your diet or your condition becomes worse.” Then the patient shifts to a more healthier diet.

The referee forms a “T” using his hands, blows his whistle then instructs to the player “Leave the basketball court!” Then the player picks up his towel & silently goes to the locker room area.

What happens when I say “you’re guilty”, “change your diet” or “leave the playing court” to someone? NOTHING. Nothing happens because I am not a judge in a trial court or a doctor or a referee. The WEIGHT OF OUR WORDS depends on our authority. The Centurion in Matthew 8 knew this.

“For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it." - Matthew 8:9

Never underestimate the power of your words. Because no matter how insignificant you think you are, there will always be someone who will by affected by your words.

• You may not be a trial judge but your child looks up to you.
• You may not be a doctor but your sick & elderly parents depend on you.
• You may not be a referee but your next door neighbor listens to you.

Watch your words. Because words have weight. The bigger the authority you have the bigger impact it creates. Remember Luke 12:48 “....Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required”

May we use our words to encourage not to bring fear. To comfort not to criticize. To spread love instead of hate. May you have a blessed weekend! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com