Power of Speech

The power of speech!

21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.-Mark1:21-28

Jesus taught with authority. He was a great speaker and teacher, thus, every body was always amazed and astonished at Him for He was not like the rest. How did He speak that made Him so effective? Jesus speaks of Words that build, and does not destroy. Jesus speaks of Words that uplift, and does not put down others. Jesus speaks of Words that heal, and does not pain. Jesus speaks of love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness, and not hatred, war, stubbornness of heart, revenge and the like. It is true that Jesus used strong words - like hypocrites - to address the Pharisees, scribes, teachers of the Law, and so many others. But, it was given to the rightful recipient of it. It was not meant to demean but to build. What about us? In this age of freedom of expression and speech, are we using it well - to build, heal, uplift, love, be merciful, be compassionate and be forgiving to others? Or are we using it to demean, destroy, put down or pain others even if they are not doing anything wrong? Are we hasty in giving a rude and nasty comment even if the person does no wrong to us? If we need to make a point, must we always resort to rudeness? Let us all bear in mind that the power of speech must be regulated or toned down one way or another. For if not, chaos is inevitable. Should we provoke or be bold with our words, we can still opt to tone it down or minimize the damage. If we fail to put a boundary or parameters on our freedom to express, all of us will go in a downward traverse where freedom of expression can be shown also through inhuman ways. Lastly, before we do something, all writers, artists and publishers must also bear in mind the impact of their words on its intended audience as well as those who might possibly be offended by it.

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