Needed Words
Words are man’s means of communication. Regardless of the language, speaking words is essential to our existence. Learning to speak takes time for the human, and when it is noticed at a very early stage that the baby neither babbles nor speaks, loving parents search for skilled physicians who prayerfully can and will correct this deficiency. While some speak with their hands, their gestures become their mouths, for from their hearts they still communicate (Matthew 12:34). Thus, one first learns to pronounce the words, and with that, they usually learn the meaning of the word, and in time, they learn how to emphasize their speaking to impact the meaning of the word with a range of calmness to forcefulness.
The wise man of old wrote, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11) One can tell simply from the inflection of the voice, whether the words are spoken with kindness, consideration, and grace (Colossians 4:5), or with hate, anger, and violence. Still, they are words – words that communicate the depths of our hearts and thereby our truest thoughts and emotions.
Three expressions seemingly are less heard in present days than in days gone by. I’m not talking about the names of items. For example, I still call a bar of soup “a cake of soup,” and use “ain’t” more than I should. I’m talking about common expressions that carry lasting meaning and prove an appreciation for what we have. Those three expressions are PLEASE, THANK YOU, and I LOVE YOU!
To ask with kindness, one says PLEASE. The word expresses a need or desire without expressing greed or covetousness. It also expresses humility as there simply is no arrogance in the word. To use it shows a demeanor of politeness; it is indeed courteous and in days of old, was expected from the mouths of the youth, and taught fervently by the examples of the parents.
THANK YOU shows appreciation. Someone once said, “Never say ‘thank you’ for a gift, but say, ‘I appreciate it’”. Not for me! “Thank you” states appreciation and gratitude. There are several times in scripture where our Lord expressly gave thanks! With that example, how can we be wrong in expressing the same gratitude with verbal thanksgiving?
In today’s world, saying I LOVE YOU can be considered inappropriate in certain circles of companionship. For a man to tell a man, or a woman to tell another woman, “I love you” is nowadays an indication of homosexual tendencies, and so MORAL folks are afraid to use the expression! (Isn’t it shameful how sinful conduct has taken away righteous communication? Gay used to mean happy, and queer used to mean odd or different.) But Jesus used both His words and deeds to express His love for everyone! True, He hates the sins (see Revelation 2:6), but He died to save all! (Matthew 26:28)
We need to hear those expressions more often in our world! We need to express courtesy, appreciation, and love by word and deed. (Colossians 3:17) Think of Jesus and how He conducted Himself. No, I can’t show you a book, chapter, and verse where Jesus actually said, “Please …” but neither can one disprove His courteous demeanor when around others! Though it isn’t recorded, I can mentally envision Him saying, “Please” in several encounters with people, and yes, even when beseeching His Father in Heaven! As for saying THANK YOU, there are numerous accounts of His stated thanksgiving. Are we so greedy, calloused, and “entitled” that we can’t utter these two words of gratitude? And yes, too many are ashamed to admit verbally (much less via their actions of affection like hugging) their love for one another. Jesus wasn’t backward about telling folks of His love for them. Even at the grave of Lazarus, the people saw and heard Him, and expressed, “Behold how He loved him.” True, it might shock some to hear you tell them, “I love you,” but they need to hear it – and they need to say it in return!
Yes, there are needed words in our everyday speech. These are but three such expressions. May I add yet one more? We need to tell people kindly, lovingly but boldly, “I care for your soul.” Let them know you know their need for Jesus and His saving power, the gospel! (Romans 1:16). Don’t be ashamed of it – proclaim it!