“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs” (Eph. 4:29)
At our Superintendent’s training, after a presentation by the Child Care Desk, Rev Norman Raphahlela, director of EMMU[1], told us about his Sunday School experience. A teacher he greatly admired and loved told him “jy is dom en lelik”. After that he always sat quietly at the back of the class, believing the lie told about him. It took many years for him to uproot those painful words. His point was simply to underscore the importance of careful, caring children’s ministry and the lasting effect of our words.
All of us have been hurt by toxic words. Most of us have been guilty of bitter, poisonous speech to the detriment of others. Jesus calls us to something better, richer and sweeter – words of kindness and compassion flowing from a life of love (Eph. 4:29-5:1).
Today, Women’s Day, let’s honour God by reflecting especially on the things we say to and about women. What are little girls led to believe about themselves as a result of our words, jokes and stories? Do we speak words that build up; words that sow thoughts like “I’m beautiful, intelligent, creative, strong, compassionate, capable, equal“? We can start here and now, not by speaking, but by listening. Women preachers (Londiwe and Taryn) lead us in worship today. May our ears be open to what God has to say through them. And may our hearts, washed by God’s Spirit, become springs of nourishing, healing, life-giving speech.
God Bless, Sean
[1] Education for Ministry and Mission Unit