Scripture: John 15:3
You are already trimmed because of the word I have spoken to you.
Thought for the Day: The first few verses from John 15 make up the central thematic text for the General Assembly of our denomination. I referenced some specific words yesterday, but I couldn’t walk away without looking at a few more. I like this verse, in part, because I believe there are many ways we say the same thing in our culture today, but do so with a bit more earthiness. Has anyone ever chewed your butt off (or maybe you use a different word)? Or maybe someone has talked down to you. Or maybe you’ve witnessed a verbal take down. In every case, language has a dramatic impact upon a person. In the end, the person feels smaller. Maybe a little ego or arrogance or selfishness needed to be whittled down, or maybe we experienced an unjust or mean-spirited assault with the use of a sharp tongue. Too often we have allowed a children’s limerick to suggest that words can never hurt us, but in fact, they are powerful. The right words can change us for the better, while the opposite is equally true. Who do you allow to have authoritative words in your life? And whose words should carry absolutely no weight when it comes to your value as a human being?
Prayer: May your word of grace be spoken to me each day, O Giver of Grace. Allow me to hear its power, whether it is from scripture, the whisper of your Spirit or the voice of a trusted friend. Amen.
