Most parents have a story of having a conversation that they thought their kids weren’t listening to, only to find out later that they were listening. Very few things are more embarrassing than having your own words used against you, or trotted out in an inappropriate time. However, there are also stories of children listening to their parents, and it being a very good thing because of what the parents were saying. I would imagine that we would all be surprised if we learned who all listened to the words that we say. There is a story in the Gospels that shows people are listening, even those we would deem as enemies. Jesus has been crucified and buried. The following day, the chief priests and the Pharisees decided they needed to go see Pilate about a pressing matter. Matthew 27:62-63 says, “On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, saying, ‘Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, after three days I will rise.'”
The most interesting part about those verses is this, the only people who remember Jesus’ words about rising from the dead were His enemies, at least initially. The disciples remembered later, after they saw Jesus. But those that we would think would never listen to what Jesus said, are the very ones who were listening. Of course, they were listening because they wanted to trap Him, and have a reason to condemn Him. Regardless of the reason, they were listening.
You and I would be wise to remember this, because people are always listening to what we say. That can be a good thing or a not so good thing. It all depends on how we use our words. Look at the example that Jesus set for us while on the cross. His first words, as He was being nailed to the cross were, “Father, forgive them, they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Of course, they knew what they were doing, they just didn’t know that what they were doing is exactly what had to be done on their behalf, and on behalf of the world. Instead of being angry for what was happening to Him, Jesus prayed for their forgiveness. Later, as He is hanging in between the two criminals, at least one of the criminals was insulting Him. Yet, when the one turned in faith to Jesus, Jesus’ reply was, “Today, you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Notice, Jesus’ words were not stern; instead, they were loving and gracious. We can even learn from what Jesus didn’t say. As everyone was mocking Him and mistreating Him, He didn’t engage them. As Peter wrote, “who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return, when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Pet. 2:23). When you and I open our mouth, we can either speak life into someone or we can tear them down. James spends a decent portion of his letter talking about the dangers of the tongue. The apostle Paul says that our words should be gracious in Colossians 4:6. I know that sometimes people’s words hurt. Sometimes, people use their words to spread lies about you. However, when we return fire, we do nothing but show that we are just like them. As the saying goes, “If you roll around in the mud with a pig, you both get dirty.” As hard as it can be at times, the best thing to do is to commit yourself to the Lord, trust that He knows the truth, and knowHe will defend you when needed. You never know when what you might say, or in some cases not say, could be what God uses to draw someone to Himself. So, choose your words carefully, because they are listening.
By His grace and for His glory,
Pastor Justin