Are Your Words Building Blocks?

ARE YOUR WORDS

BUILDING BLOCKS?

The other day a friend and I were discussing modern communications. She enjoys Facebook and texting. I enjoy texting and Email. It's nice to have that instant communication, although I still enjoy writing a letter or sending a card.

We also talked of another modern phenomenon: Anyone who has an opinion on anything can now share it easily with everyone. Op Ed pieces in daily newspapers, for example, are probably out-shined by hundreds of opinions shared on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

What's disturbing about this is the imbalance of words. It would be nice if more opinions were shared as building blocks. We all know our world and our lives need improvement. There's no harm in telling the truth.

But many opinions come across as stumbling stones filled judgement, anger and/or bitterness. No positive solutions or suggestions are included.

Meaningful Community

Since the days of Adam and Eve life has been filled with challenges. Which century or culture has never had to deal with lack of food, job challenges, political powers, death, human relationships or major losses following natural disasters? 

In times like those, meaningful community relationships make a difference. I'm talking about a positive sense of community that comes from living with others in friendly association.

Simply being around people creates community in a broad sense. But that loose connection rarely helps us when life piles on personal challenges.

Satisfying, helpful, long-lasting community is developed deliberately. Think of your most satisfying relationships. Did they just grow automatically? Or were they developed by deliberate acts of caring and communication? How about a sharing of time?

Personal Community

Satisfying personal relationships are built on genuine concern for others. People with a "Me-Me" attitude can find themselves alone at the most inopportune times.

Have you ever thought of how words have built or broken your relationships? Some people think words always have to be rosy and sweet. But Proverbs 27:6 says, "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."

I'm grateful for friends I can trust to speak truth into my life. In fact, I go to them when I need help in sorting through issues for which I have no clear answers.

Proverbs 15:23 describes such a two-sided friendship perfectly: "A person finds joy in giving an apt reply---and how good is a timely word."

Perhaps our world could be improved if people put less emphasis on simply sharing their opinion and more time on an apt reply or timely word.

Make a Difference

None of us can solve modern communication problems single-handed. But together we can make a difference by using our words as building blocks.

Everyone's words have power. Yes, yours! And mine, too.