"Events of recent weeks have caused me to reflect once again on the power of words. It’s dangerous to underestimate the power of words, both to pull down and build up.
The book of James reminds us that the tongue is a powerful force. James describes it as ‘a fire, a world of evil’ (James 3:6). He further contends it is a ‘restless evil, full of deadly poison’ (v8).
Paul, writing to the believers in Colossae said, ‘Let your conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone’ (Colossians 4:6).
We can pray, ‘Lord, help us pay more attention to the words we speak.’ In these days of social media, we might rightly add, ‘Lord, help me to be careful in regard to my posts.’
The words we use can inspire, heal, unify and promote peace. They can also have the opposite effect.
I pray that all entrusted with the responsibility and privilege of leadership, wherever they are, will be motivated by a driving desire for the common good of all humankind.
Jesus said, ‘Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks’ (Luke 6:45). As people belonging to God and The Salvation Army, let’s check the motivations of our own hearts and be sure the words we use inspire hope, healing, peace and a revelation of God’s love. In these days, our conversations, speech and conduct serve as a powerful testimony. Let’s ensure that our testimony is pure in thought, word and deed.
God bless you."
One wonders how this message will be received by the Army's leadership in the USA. Will it oppose Trump’s attacks on vulnerable people or will it keep silent?
I am pleased to see the Army's response to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation report: UK Poverty 2025: The essential guide to understanding poverty in the UK, noting the 'devastating impact' of poverty on families and particularly on children.
According to the Army our broken social security system is out of step with reality, and needs fixing so that families can afford to keep a roof over their heads, as well as essentials like food, heating and clothing. In particular the Army calls on the goverment to:
* reverse the two-child limit on allowances.
" implement an essentials guarantee to ensure benefits cover the cost of living.
* reverse the planned freeze on the local housing allowance in April 2025.
* reduce the wait for a first universal credit payment from six weeks down to two.
All commendable demands echoing those of other faith and secular organisations. For pressure to have any impact organisations must work together, even to engage in civil disobedience.
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