Victory over Word Warfare
The Power of Affirmations
John 1:41-42; Matthew 16:18; 1 Timothy 4:12,14; Revelation 2:17
Words to Celebrate
Everyone quiets as the host rises to speak. The bride’s father steps to the edge of the dance floor and takes the microphone to deliver the traditional toast. His expression bounces between a happy grin and melancholy glances at his wife and daughter. He grips the wrinkled pages of his prepared remarks and attempts to express emotions that cover two decades of fatherhood. Reciting a lengthy list of loved ones, he recounts their impact on family history and the shaping of his daughter’s womanhood. Caught up in wandering memories, he flips through the script to find his place, causing affectionate chuckles from the guests. After a few discreet hand signals by his wife to wrap it up, he finishes the unrestrained, yet endearing, outpouring of thanks for those who celebrate with him. All absorb the warmth of his compliments, which sparks happy energy to hit the dance floor. The power of words maximized to their best, building up.
Warfare of Words
Other microphone speeches have created a different energy. Our country finishes a season of brutal election rhetoric in a residue of weariness. A barrage of battling words bruised both candidates and voters. Accusations and name-calling slashed reputations and stabbed at motives. The power of words wielded at their worst, tearing down.
“We can re-orient and reclaim speech as a tool instead of a weapon—to build confidence, give courage, and contribute to healing.”
In the aftermath, however, we take a breath and recover. We can re-orient and reclaim speech as a tool instead of a weapon—to build confidence, give courage, and contribute to healing. We can choose to mobilize the virtue of the words we speak to one another.
Casting a Vision
Inspiration and guidance for a more noble path comes from God’s story and the way he speaks to us. He models declarations that call out our best. In three different examples we learn how to mobilize words to affirm value, kindle courage, and honor uniqueness.
In the first example, Jesus casts a vision for the future upon meeting his soon-to-be disciple, Simon. His brother, Andrew, brings him to Jesus:
“He first found his own brother Simon and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated ‘the Christ’), and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, ‘You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which is translated ‘Peter’).” (John 1:41-42)
In that momentous moment, Jesus perceives the potential of Simon’s character and proclaims a name change. Later, when Simon declares his faith, Jesus confirms the new name and meaning:
“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matt. 16:18)
When Jesus met Simon, he offered him the dignity of seeing him for who he would become. Jesus verbalized that vision for him. He lit up a pathway for Peter’s future. Upon his later confession of faith, Jesus declares Peter’s name again. He provides clarity for Peter that will orient him through the challenges waiting ahead. His words affirm the value of Peter’s character and heart.
Calling for Courage
In a second example, the Apostle Paul demonstrates words that kindle courage. In a letter to his protégé Timothy, Paul writes:
“Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. […] Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.” (1 Tim. 4:12, 14) (Emphasis added.)
Paul uses his words to remind Timothy of his charge and to build him up. Biblical scholar, D.A. Carson, comments: “Timothy’s image of himself as a minister was evidently deficient, so Paul reminded him of the fact that God had given him the requisite ability for service. The remembrance of this prophecy was designed to strengthen Timothy’s confidence.” Paul verbalizes his confidence in Timothy to motivate him and encourage him to action.
Confirming the Best
A third example relates an exciting experience awaiting all who follow Christ. The Apostle John writes in Revelation of things to come:
“Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it.” (Rev. 2:17) (Emphasis added.)
Here we witness another new naming for all who overcome the trials of this world and keep the faith of God’s promises. As the mysterious happenings of Revelation unfold, Jesus will give his followers a new name, just as he did for Simon Peter. Commentator, Leon Morris, addresses the significance of naming: “In antiquity the name was widely held to sum up what the man stood for. It represented his character. It stood for the whole man. Here then the new name represents a new character.” Jesus will confirm and commemorate the person he created us to be.
“While society often judges or labels based on outward appearances or past failures, God names us to celebrate our uniqueness.”
While society often judges or labels based on outward appearances or past failures, God names us to celebrate our uniqueness. He honors the distinctive impact of our character and its fulfillment by our personhood. He reveals a vision of who we will become in our relationship with him. Rather than pointing to our failures and flaws, he identifies us by our best selves.
Conquering Verbal Warfare
Angry words, quick assumptions, critical comments, and spotlighting failures come easy. I confess, that when hurt or offended, I too readily give in to the deception that tearing someone down makes me feel better or stronger. But just as my junk food high fades when the binge hits my stomach like a rock, so does the justification I grasp when I release my unkind words. Empty of lasting satisfaction, they press like a boulder on my conscience. They pull me lower.
God offers a higher road to follow. He encourages us to move past our offenses, disagreements, and insecurities. Instead, he asks us to appreciate each other in the same way he views us. He models how to call out the best we see and the best we know others can be. He guides us to affirm, encourage, and honor. He points us forward to the vision where he is the proud Father at the wedding feast. Filled with love for the good people surrounding him, he shares his joy. He celebrates by handing each guest a white stone, inscribed with the unique name he gave them—even before they knew who they could be.
And then the dancing begins.
Where can you call out the best in someone with your words?
Sources:
Morris, Leon. Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 20. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1987).
Carson, D.A. The Gospel According to John. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans, 1991).
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