By Lois Hewitt

Words. We all know so many. Good, encouraging, helpful and also devastating. Words in and of  themselves do not hold power, the power of words comes from how we feel about hearing them.

I have had a difficult time this week finding any worthy words to write.  I was uninspired. I felt a great many things this week but had no words to describe those things.

Then this morning I saw a video of a young person just yelling and swearing at a person speaking about Jesus. Her words were vile and so full of hate. She said things I would not even dare repeat. 

I took a moment to think of those words and how they made me feel.  The old me, would have probably out sworn her and would have made a bigger scene.  Anger issues and all.

The new and improved me thought about what Jesus would think of the words.  He would know exactly where those hateful words were coming from.   His compassion would be utmost. Although we are not to mock Him, He always sees our hearts. 

So how should these hurtful words impact me?  I have been struggling to be compassionate toward so many in this “new” world we live in.  I hear angry voices and see violent deeds everyday on my phone.  These things impact me deeply and sometimes I cannot see anything positive.

That’s human thinking. I give power to those words and actions. I make the deeds important. Jesus sees the pain in their hearts and their souls. His power comes not from anger but love.  That is our calling also.  We are not called to agree with the sin but we are called to have compassion for the sinner.

Lest we forget that we sin also. Jesus showed us compassion and we must do the same.  I cannot stand behind the vile words she said but I looked at her differently and saw her pain.

The most dangerous animal is one that is hurt. They may be capable of horrible things because their pain has the power.

I cannot change the world, although I would like to.  I cannot change one mind that does not want to change. But I can change the way the world holds my power. I no longer want the world to dictate to me how to feel and what I should do.  I look to Jesus for my power.

My impact on this world may not be much but it is a ripple and a ripple can start a bigger movement over time when combined with other ripples.  If I take away the negative power and allow my life to reflect one of Jesus where sin is not tolerated but the sinner is given up to Him in genuine prayer, then the ripple starts.

Words have power only if we give it to them. So it’s true with hurtful words we have heard. Those words only have power because we give it to them. Focus on the words of Jesus for He is the source of all power and righteousness.