Thought for the Week

Revd Pat Reid, Associate Minister, All Saints Church, Ilkley

A YOUNG relative of mine (two and a half years) is beginning to talk quite well, and she loves singing. She makes up her own songs and sings when she playing and when she is happy. The words are just words strung together, nonsense really, but she is happy and the sound is a delight to hear. I was shown a recent video clip of her taken in a restaurant. She had finished her first course and started to sing to herself, quietly, jigging from side to side, and with a smile on her face. Soon, not only had her family noticed, but also people on nearby tables were distracted and smiling. From thereon she enjoyed entertaining the gathering! Indeed, when she was leaving she went to each of the nearby tables and said good-bye to everyone. Her words were nonsense, but they had a powerful effect in cheering the day for a lot of people.

Words are so powerful. They are the oil of human relationships, speaking of love or guidance or concern. They can hurt and harm; they can be spoken in anger and they can be destructive. We cannot always gauge the importance of words by the oratorical skill with which they are delivered. Great and moving speeches can, on inspection, prove empty and trivial. Simple words can speak to our hearts and change us. “I love you”.

Do our words help and heal; do they bring comfort and cheer? Are they words that encourage others?

The most important words ever spoken were delivered by an itinerant preacher in Palestine just over 2000 years ago; Jesus Christ. They still speak to the heart in the most penetrating and challenging way and yet the love with which they were delivered continues to echo through the centuries.

Recorded in John’s Gospel are these words of Jesus, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to me (Jesus) and believes (in me) shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day”. There is a challenge and a promise! Why not read more of Jesus’ words and hear of love and healing and comfort and joy.