Living the Language of Blessing

Language is both unique and powerful. Our language automatically reveals information about who we are. It can reveal origin, level of education and cultural influences. It can convey certain values, emotions and beliefs. Whatever we say instantly conveys a particular message to whoever receives it. That message can be positive or negative (in some cases maybe neutral) but it is probable that the words will make some level of impact upon the lives of others.

As people who have chosen to pursue the Christ-life, we are called to live different from the world around us. We are challenged to be in the world but not of it. While we are typically quick to address material issues or even moral actions, we do not usually give equal time to discerning how our language is to be different from other conversations taking place in the world. In much the same way, our language as Christians immediately transmits messages about what we value, about what it means to live a transformed life. I’m not referring to some form of “Christianese” which suggests that we know all the right and good Christian things to say but a language that communicates something meaningful and transforming.

Scripture seems to echo living out a language of blessing. There were priestly blessings spoken on behalf of God upon his people (Num. 6:24-26). The psalms distinguish between two uses for the tongue: praising and cursing. Proverbs contrasts those whose tongues “bring healing” and those who “crush the spirit.” Paul incorporates blessing language into each of his letters and stresses that what comes from our mouths should be for the purpose of building others up (Eph. 4:29f). We are to be encouragers, comforters and urgers, who proclaim God’s invitation to participate in his kingdom and glory (1 Thess. 2). James warns about the power of the tongue and our futile attempts to praise God and curse men in the same breath (James 3). Peter calls us to repay evil not with insult, but with blessing (1 Peter 3). If it was significant in the overarching narrative of Scripture, maybe we should consider its significance for our own lives as we seek to participate in the same narrative. In other words, how can what we say in both public and private settings be shaped by our participation in God’s redemptive story for all of creation?

As Christians, we need to consider what characterizes us. What message are we sending to others about who we are based on the way we communicate with them and with each other? I believe to be different than the world is to live out a language of blessing—to intentionally pursue ways of communicating with people that encourage and build up, allowing others to leave in the peace of Christ. There is merit to meeting people where they are (to talk and act like them in order to build relationships) but it should be balanced by speaking a new word of life into people’s lives counter to the ways of our culture. Our culture suggests that we put each other down, choose sarcasm over intimacy and joke or tease (even at other people’s expense) for the sake of “good natured humor.” It’s not that we cease to have fun and joke with each other but that the teasing and joking does not define who we are and what we are about (identified by percentage of practice) as those seeking to live the Christ-life. Instead we are defined by humility, mercy, putting others above ourselves, and encouraging each other to continue to run the race…instead, we are defined by blessing.

As leaders, we are in unique positions to impact lives throughout our communities, locally and at large. I’m not saying that we do not impact others already because we do, but we need to be more aware of the power language has upon us all and be more intentional about how we use it. We must pursue living a language of blessing with patience because like learning any new language it takes time, effort and consistent immersion in order to begin to communicate clearly and effectively. Therefore, when the world attempts to convince us that leadership is better understood as a position of power and control, we remember and proclaim that Spirit empowered leadership begins and ends in blessing. Thus, it is my hope and prayer that by living a language of blessing we participate in God’s redemptive purposes as we seek to restore, renew and refresh others to the glory of the Lord!

May the Lord bless and keep you, may his face shine upon you and give you peace. To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.