…One of my go-to places to aimlessly scroll on my phone is my Pinterest app. For those that aren’t familiar with this, Pinterest is a place where people can share thoughts and ideas on anything from recipes to teaching ideas to home improvement to self-improvement. I go here when I’m wondering how to redecorate my living room or what recipes there might be for desserts. Nicole and I often search there for ideas for VBS crafts or shirt ideas. The ideas and posts are endless!
Recently, on one of my scrolls, a post popped up as a suggestion. It was a young girl holding a sign that read:
Before you speak, think….
T – is it true?
H – is it helpful?
I – is it inspiring?
N – is it necessary?
K – is it kind?
When I saw this, I immediately thought of how important this message is for all of us, especially right now, in this year, in this moment. People have opinions on everything right now: masks, pandemic restrictions, social injustice, the election, and countless other topics. This a very divisive time, and now, maybe more than ever, the words we chose to use carry a lot of weight.
In the book of John, Jesus is confronted with a woman who has committed adultery. The teachers of the law and Pharisees try to convince him to have her stoned in accordance with the Law of Moses and as a way to trap Jesus in his words. In this moment, Jesus doesn’t respond immediately. Instead, he bends down and writes on the ground before finally telling the men that whoever is without sin can throw the first stone at this woman. Before he responded to the accusations and questions, Jesus stopped and he thought. He didn’t come back with well thought out insults to throw at the Pharisees; he came back with wisdom, love and truth which ultimately changed the life of this woman caught in sin.
When we speak to others, when we pull out our phones to text, when we get on social media, we have the chance to speak wisely and with love. Before we open our mouths, before we hit send, let’s stop and ‘THINK’ – is what I’m about to say or share true? Is what I’m about to say or share helpful to this person…to the kingdom of God…to my own Christian witness? Is what I’m about to say or share something that will inspire others to do good or be better? Is what I’m about to say or share necessary at all…does it do any good? Is what I’m about to say or share kind or does it cause hurt to others? Is what I’m about to say worth saying at all?
As the church and as Christ’s ambassadors in this world, we have the chance to sow seeds of peace, patience, love and grace to others. So, this week, I want to challenge you: choose your words carefully; think before you speak/text/share; remember the weight of what you choose to say. Choose to speak love. Choose to speak peace. Choose to speak Christ.
-Rev. Katherine Asis