Words...

The tears fall silently, making small trails across her face before dripping off her chin... He sighs heavily before turning and walking into the darkness, his heart breaking... The little girl can't understand why she is no longer allowed to play with a friend; why she can't spend the day at her house... The elderly gentleman paces the room, confused, not understanding why his family is rejected, shunned...

Criticism. Pain. Rumors. Anger. And tears. Why do we do these things? Why do we persecute our own brothers and sisters? Spreading half-truths and believing the worst instead of the best. It's not the way Christ intended for us to be. Do all things with love. Love Jesus. Love others. And with love comes respect. Is it respectful for me to hurt others? Is it respectful to meddle in their lives?

I have been guilty of these things, more than once. But Jesus has called me to a life of following Him. Of daily learning from my mistakes. Of serving others. Loving Him ultimately. I'm just a young girl, but I stand in awe of love. I believe love to be the greatest force on earth. The motivation behind great change in our hearts. And although I'm young, I believe love shows action. If someone tells me that they love me dearly, but do little to prove and show that love, I'm going to have a hard time believing them. Why then do I tell Jesus that I love Him, but do little to none of the actions that great love should naturally compel? Our hearts were made to love and serve others. To worship Jesus and simply follow Him. Why then do I choose to go astray so often? To condemn fellow humans in their life... Don't we realize that we are all on the earth for one purpose? Shouldn't my life reflect some of the world moving power that Jesus' did? Of the love that poured out of his heart for others? The weak and needy, the hurting. Jesus never mocked others. We all have our unique personality, our odd points, Jesus never made fun of those. God put them in us. He made each of us unique. And yet we dare to laugh at each other? To amuse ourselves by making others uncomfortable? I should find myself daily asking the question, "What would Jesus do?" Or better yet, "What would Jesus do through me?" In a world that is shaking with the unknown, do I realize that I am living by grace, day by day? That the power of Jesus working in me can move mountains? There are battles to be fought, victories to be won. I wanna be on the winning side. The side of the Savior who died for me. The one who has won the battle over death... (written on 10/11/11)

I wrote the above post nearly a year ago. I had completely forgotten about it, but discovered it just now in my search for a different post. I edited a few words, and now you have an update! I found that I feel more strongly now than I even did then, about words. The power we can have to do good, or evil. Part of this is probably due to the fact that our youth group is currently studying the book of James. And it has inspired me to think more deeply about my actions. Anyways, rabbit trail over, enjoy the post! (Hopefully another one will be coming soon:) -M.J.W.