Early in my evangelism I encountered this question, which at the time I don’t think I answered to well… “Why is taking the Lord’s name in vain a sin? Words are just words…”
At the time I didn’t really understand. But lately I have come to understand the power of words.
Words have the power to build up, to encourage and to bring and share love. Words have the power to give life.
Words can also be used to tear down, to discourage, to belittle. Words have the power to take life.
God’s Gospel comes to us through words. Christ is The Word.
When we take the Lord’s name in vain, we forget the simple message given to us in Acts 4:12. We throw this message out the window as if it is old news, when it is nothing less than the power for our salvation.
But on a more personal level, I’ve learnt tonight that words can cut deeply than we first suspect. I’ve thought myself eloquent with words before, but I know from experience that my words have also cut deeply. To strive towards humility in both attitude and speech is indeed a long and daunting process.
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