I listened to a broadcast on Christian radio this afternoon, about Power. The discussion was comprehensive and inspiring, focusing on Christ’s power demonstrated through Him when He walked among us on earth as well as through Him since His resurrection as it flows in and through us, His people. We, the listeners, were challenged to let God work His power through us to bring blessing to others who are impacted by the power God has given us in this life – posing the question, “Who flourishes because I have power?”

Earlier in the day I was listening to a different broadcast about the power and influence of intentionally harmful words. This broadcast centered more on the choices we have to respond to hurtful words – do we surrender to the harmful words, choosing to absorb them or let them injure us deeply, or do we choosing to retaliate with hurtful words of our own, or do we let God transform our lives by responding in kindness, choosing to see ourselves through the lens of what God says about us instead of what other people say.

These two broadcasts have blended to stir within me/us a deep desire to bless others with my/our written words. I don’t want to do harm to anyone, even those who have intentionally harmed me. I want to write in such a way that people honor God’s work in my life. We have fallen prey to intentionally harmful words and actions that have wounded us deeply. We want to speak to that with honesty and integrity, not seeking to receive righteous indignation from some who would take up my cause to defend me/us, or to bring harsh antagonism or criticism to those who have harmed me/us; but rather to speak healing into the hearts of readers who have also been deeply wounded by the words or actions of others.

My daily devotions focussed on the topic of Christians needing to ask of God what we desire. We are encouraged to ask God for wisdom as well as other things according to His will, believing that He will answer our prayers and give us the desires of our hearts. I am praying and asking that God will empower me/us to write words that will be a soothing balm on the wounds of hurtful words in injured hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.