“This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.” – I Corinthians 2:13

Words can build up or tear down.  Words can mobilize and inspire.  Words can also deceive and confuse.  The harsh words we use with one another can cause great harm.  The kind words we share with someone can give hope and life and comfort.  Our words have power.  They can extend a genuine welcome and transform our communities to be more inclusive and loving, or they can exclude and cause division between groups and individuals.

Have you ever been in a conversation and found yourself saying something you didn’t realize you knew?  There have been times in my life when I was surprised to find wise words coming out of my mouth and wondered afterwards, “Where did THAT come from?”  I think that sometimes when we are living fully in the life that God has called us to; being obedient to love our neighbors and care for those around us, that God speaks to us and through us.  You may be surprised to find yourself sharing your faith and leading someone to Christ when you didn’t really set out to do that at the beginning of the conversation.  You may offer to pray for someone in the spur of the moment and find that God puts powerful healing words into your mind and into your prayer.

Paul writes to the Corinthians that what he speaks is not from human wisdom but words taught by the Holy Spirit.  It’s God speaking to them through him.  That’s what being a mouth in the Body of Christ is all about!  The prophet Jeremiah thought he was too young to speak to the people of Israel.  God rebuked him and said, “I have put my words into your mouth.” -Jeremiah 1:9  As we walk through our daily discipleship, may we have words of life and God’s wisdom to share with others.  May we build up rather than tear down.  Even if the words we share seem like foolishness to the world, it is wisdom in Christ.

God of Welcome and Wonder, help us draw the welcome circle wider.  Triune God, you are the Creator, who has brought all life into being.  With nothing but a word, you stirred the whirling planets.  You brought life to the fish of the sea and the birds of the air.  You called to your family people of different colors, races, and creeds.  Help us to value the perspective of people different than us.  Amen.