I have a word-related pet peeve. On good days hearing it is a small irritant like a mosquito bite—mild, but nevertheless deserving a slap. On bad days, its entering my audible receptors is akin to fingernails being dragged across a chalkboard and I want to haul off and smack the person responsible for saying it—the most consistent offender being my husband. He simply doesn’t understand what it is that I am making such a big deal about. If he’s commented once, he’s done so a hundred times, “It’s only a word… .” His justification is lame—whatever… and that is exactly the word about which I am presently ranting.
“Whatever”is a fine word when used appropriately. It can be an easy-going, laid back kind of word used to indicate a genuine acceptance of …whatever. However, it can also serve as a rude dismissive; it is using it in this sense that raises my ire. An offhand--“whatever”—is a backhanded way of sending the message that whatever the speaker is expressing is not worth the time of day or airspace it occupies. It carries a tone and attitude that is condescending, belittling, patronizing, and demeaning. Words are powerful. Our word choices have impact; they can be a tremendous blessing or a life-altering curse.
Unfortunately, we tend to remember the words that hurt more than those that help. All of us can probably think of a regretful word or two we have spoken—ill-spoken words that were a rueful choice. On the other side of the word-usage coin are words that are life-giving, words that carry a message of encouragement and hope. These are the words we so covet hearing when we find ourselves on the downside of life. Inside, our emotions may stir us to want to give a discounting, non-receptive “whatever” to spirit-lifting words with which we cannot connect at the moment. Yet, genuine expression of care and love is the Father’s heart; it carries heaven-force weight in the spirit with earth-impacting effect. We may be ineloquent speakers, marginally articulate, or linguistically challenged, but we can make a deliberate choice that the words we speak are aimed at doing good, spoken for the purpose of blessing the listener.
It is easy to take words for granted; their use is so much part of our daily lives that we can go through an entire day without giving them a specific thought. Yet, in truth, words are no small thing. As I write this, one scripture after another comes to mind that reinforces the value God gives to words—directly, and most certainly, indirectly. “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Col. 4:6; “How sweet are Your words to my taste…” Ps. 119:103; “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”
Pr. 16:24
I believe 2 Pet. 4:7-11 beautifully expresses the heart of God and the call, ability, and purpose each of us has on a daily basis. No matter how much of a “whatever” we may be tempted to give in our state of depression, frustration, or deprivation, God remains faithful to give us His best—whatever that may be—wherever and whenever He, in His infinite wisdom and love, sees we have need.
“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins…as each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
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