The weight of words

Like most folks, I do a lot of social networking on the Internet. I use Facebook, Twitter, and Blogger on a regular basis. It gives me the ability to interact with family, church members, old high school friends, and co-workers. This past week I posted something on Facebook not really expecting any feedback of what I posted. Much to my surprise I received an email from someone concerning my post. Unknowing to me, this person had been needing something in their life and the words that I posted was just what they had been looking for. I was both humbled and grateful that the Lord used something that I hadn't really put much thought into, to make a difference in someone else's life.

Well, all of this got me to thinking about the things that I say or write that others may read or hear. For you, dear reader, I want to offer a bit of advice: Before posting something on Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, or any other Social network, take time to consider the ramifications your written words may have. What may seem frivolous to you could be life changing to someone else. You've heard it said that "sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me," but this is untrue. Words can and do hurt, and hurt bad. Words, both written and spoken, have the power to start wars and end wars, start relationships and end relationships, and save a life or end a life. You never know what is going on in the life of the person on the other end of your words. They may be hanging on by a thread and the words that you write or say may be the thing that cuts the thread or strengthens it.

Imagine if you will, someone sitting at their computer at home that does not have the ability to get out of the house. Perhaps they have very little personal interaction with anyone in life. They may be hanging on to every word that is written on a social network. It may be their source of companionship or may be the only relationship that they have with anyone. As you can imagine, for someone like this words are very important. They cannot see your facial expression or know your intent but they can read what you write and come to their own conclusions, whether right or wrong.

The same goes in the words that you speak with your mouth. You would never speak some of the things that you type on a social network because you realize it would offend, embarrass, or make you to be a total heal, so why do it on the computer? So, choose your words wisely and take heed of what the Bible says in James 3:2: 

"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body."