Suggested Emphasis
“Get rid of all bitterness, anger, harsh words, slander and malice of every kind. In place of these be kind, compassionate and mutually forgiving.”
Salesian Perspective
“In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God. The Word was God. Through the Word God made all things; not one thing in creation was made without the Word.”
Just as the Word who is Jesus Christ is the source of all power, so, too, our words are powerful. At their best, our words feed, heal and create. At their worst, our words choke, injure and destroy.”
St. Paul certainly knew this. So did St. Francis de Sales.
So do we.
St. Francis de Sales observes that negative speech breeds “disdain for one’s neighbor, pride, self-satisfaction and a hundred other very pernicious effects, among them the greatest pest of conversation, slander.” He continues: “Slander is a kind of murder…whoever removed slander from the world would remove a great part of its sins and injustice as well.”
Using words that are “kind, compassionate and mutually forgiving” isn’t just a matter of being nice: it’s a matter of justice. It is about giving people their due; it’s about giving people respect; it’s about recognizing people’s God-given dignity. Ultimately, it’s about using the power of our God-given ability embodied in language in ways that build up – not tear down – the people of God.
Salesian spirituality is known for its practicality. What could be more practical than using words that help to build up, encourage and support one another? What is more readily available for us to gift one another than the words we speak? Even when we need to challenge or correct others, we should still speak in such a way that ultimately promotes healing: our tongues, says St. Francis “ought to be like a scalpel in the hand of a surgeon who is cutting between nerves and tendons.” St. Jane de Chantal observes: “When you need to correct someone, make it in private and with kindness.”
In the beginning was the Word. May our words continue the story of God’s creative, redemptive and life-giving love. May God’s Word be for all of us the last word. May God’s Word – the Word that gives life – be all the words that we ever need.
Rev. Michael S. Murray, OSFS, is the Executive Director of the De Sales Spirituality Center.
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