Positive Words

By S. Bill Jimenez

Positive words. Wonderful words. Powerful words. Positive and wonderful words are powerful. They inspire and do much good. Most of us, if not all, are guilty at one time or another of the improper and slipshod use of words. Our gnawing remorse cannot undo or “unsay” our careless remarks. But, it’s never too late to learn and improve our communication skills. Recognition of the problem and the difficulty is the first step in this direction.

The Lord Jesus taught: “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

Other great minds likewise give us a better perspective in the use of words. Aristotle has well said, “It is not enough to know what to say; it is necessary to know how to say it.” Sigmund Freud wisely said, “Words have a magical power. They can bring either the greatest happiness or the deepest despair.” Rudyard Kipling tersely remarked, “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” And Edward Lee Thorndike aptly observed, “Colors fade, temples crumble, empires fall, but wise words endure.”

Words are used to communicate for as long as we have ears to listen with, tongue to use in speaking and eyes that can read. We cannot overemphasize the value of positive and inspiring words in both oral and written communication. Because of this great fact, words are effectively used in journalism, management, human relations, diplomacy, politics, religion, etc.

Obviously, the ability to make good use of language through positive and inspiring words is the mark of an intelligent, understanding, and effective person. A pleasant word is the oil of the squeaking wheels of communication, which forestalls misunderstanding.

Jesus was the master in the use of words. On the way to Calvary, he was cursed, ridiculed, insulted, spit upon and yet at the cross, Jesus uttered the most positive words that reverberate through eternity: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Amen.

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