‘Praying for you’: Are they just words?
The Power of Words
“I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” – Matthew 12:36-37)
Jesus is clear in the Gospel of Matthew that our words have power. Our words can be a tool used to help ourselves, and others, to forgiveness and life or they can condemn us. That includes the words we type on social media.
These past few years have proven a challenge for most individuals in the United States and around the world. Political differences crushed friendships, ruined relationships, and fostered a culture of hate. The battle against COVID-19 created resentment, bitterness, and anger among those who disagreed with the words of others. However, most importantly, our words destroyed or helped heal. Which did your words did? What did your social media posts do? Did your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram condemn you?
In Matthew 12:34 we see Jesus speaking to those who have wrongfully used words. “You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Jesus was clear you cannot walk into Mass on Sunday morning proclaiming the forgiveness, love and mercy of our Lord and then logon Sunday night and spew hatred toward those with whom you disagree. We can disagree, even hate, the actions of a person but our words should never be directed toward the individual or reflect a manner of demeaning the value or dignity of a person’s worth. We were all purchased with a price. We were all purchased with the blood of Jesus and that blood flows freely over all who would accept it. The thief on the cross, during his last moments on earth, accepted the forgiveness that came from that blood. We should never be a stumbling block for someone to receive Jesus. Our words should be used to point others toward Jesus. The power of our words should lead to redemption, not condemnation.
Our words reveal our heart. Jesus said that out of the heart the mouth speaks. If you want to know someone’s heart, listen to their words. What do your words say about your heart?
Today, think before you type. Reflect before you speak. Are the words coming from your mouth or your fingers edifying or condemning? Do they point others toward Jesus or away from Him?
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About the Author
Amelia Monroe Carlson graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism. Being raised as a Methodist during her early years, it was not until she entered college where she began to take her faith seriously. She was baptized as a Southern Baptist in Muscle Shoals, AL and began immediately serving in international missions and in the church.
During college, she became the Co-founder of an International Ministry, where she spent time traveling and speaking to church groups and in large conferences. She authored a Bible study and traveled abroad on mission work. She sat on the Mid-South Interfaith Conferences in Mississippi, where she defended the faith and discussed beliefs with leaders of various religions.
After a business trip to Washington D.C., where she was introduced to a former Baptist who converted to the Catholic Church, she was placed on a journey to enter into the Catholic Church.
Amelia is a military wife and currently residents with her husband and daughter in Tennessee. She is a nine time award winning journalist, receiving press awards for various categories including investigative journalism, best news coverage, and best single feature. It is her desire to help Catholics, particularly Cradle Catholics, see the beauty in their faith which converts see and appreciate the fullness of truth which the Church has held and guarded throughout history. It is her desire all Catholics fall as much in love with Jesus as she is, and love the Church to a greater capacity than they could imagine.
Amelia taught PRE for 4-6 grade at St. Mary Catholic Church in Bolivar, Tennessee from 2014-2016. She served as Youth Director at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Somerville, Tennessee in 2017-2018. She now teaches 7th grade (1st year Confirmation) PRE class at St. Philip. She's also a writer and frequent podcast guest on Our Warpath.
She has a strong devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Francis de Sales, St. Padre Pio and St. Maximilian Kolbe.
To contact Amelia for speaking inquiries at conferences, retreats, or parishes contact her via social media on Facebook (Amelia Monroe Carlson), Twitter (@2_catholic ) or send a text to: (731)518-6923.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameliamcarlson
Twitter: @2_catholic (Catholic ministry account)
Twitter personal account: @ameliamcarlson
