SPEAKING TO THE SOUL

Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.
Proverbs 11:17 NLT

We all use words to communicate. We have also all become suspicious of words because of the way they are constructed by groups such as politicians to appear to say one thing while in fact they create space for alternative and surprising meanings. Once we lose trust in language, then active communication becomes near-impossible. Dr Ira Bycock wrote a wonderful book called The Four Things That Matter Most: A Book About Living (Atria Books, 2014). For 15 years he cared for seriously ill people, and a further 25 in palliative care. These four phrases captured everything someone facing death wanted to say. But as Bycock writes: “Why wait until you’re about to die?”

Many people, as they grow older, endure more emotional wounds. It’s easy to carry grudges, develop a bitterness and build a defensive shield in an attempt at self-protection. Jesus never tried to protect himself. He demonstrated tremendous self-assurance backed up by a high self-esteem. As a result, he was able to confront his opponents in a clear and honest way.

I know life is difficult and words can wound deeply. They often penetrate beyond our natural defences and the scars can last a lifetime. Yet, we do not need to be controlled by them. Jesus sets us free (see John 8:36), even though the process can prove challenging. Your healing begins often with a change of perception and fresh use of language.

I choose words more carefully than ever these days. I have also attempted to put things right with others throughout my past life well before I die.

So, as Dr Bycock accurately concludes, why await death’s call before putting things right in our life, past and present, in as far as we are able to. This is all God, according to St Paul (Romans 12:16-18) requires of us. So, over the next four days we shall explore these four phrases.

QUESTION

Is there an unresolved issue, grudge or conflict, which you carry?

PRAYER

Help me over these days to be free from the power of the wounds and words from unresolved conflict. Thank you that there is power to change and forgive in the name of Jesus.