Kinlaw: Be sure you include love in your spiritual message
Have you ever attended a cymbal recital? Several years ago my son was given a cute package of musical instruments, complete with a small set of cymbals. These small metals disks with wooden handles became the instrument of choice for my child for some time. My son would make his way through the house clanging these cymbals together, "Bang, bang, bang." It was obnoxious!
The cymbals were not meant to be played alone. I have never attended, nor been aware of the existence of, a cymbal recital. When utilized as part of a larger musical ensemble, the cymbals add expression and interest to a musical number. Alone, they are loud and annoying.
In one of his letters to the church of Corinth, the Apostle Paul stated, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." Paul is speaking of the importance of love in the lives of Christ followers. In doing so, he makes it clear that even if one has great eloquence of speech and speaks the truth, if it is not accompanied by love, one's words simply become meaningless noise.
Over the years I have known many people who prided themselves in "telling the truth." They would often make negative comments or speak cruelly of others, and then excuse their words by saying, "I'm just telling the truth." The Bible certainly calls upon us to speak the truth, but it says we are to do so "in love." When our words are not backed by a heart of love for God and others, they become little more than awkward, unwelcome noise that has no positive impact in their lives.
Many of us find our livelihood in the realm of speaking. A large part of what I do as a pastor is centered on being an effective speaker. The same is true for teachers, managers and other careers that call for the effective use of words to lead and instruct others. Much of what we do in the church involves our speech, whether teaching a class, telling others about Christ, leading a ministry and much more. One aspect of being an effective parent is the ability to talk with our children to instruct, encourage, love, and discipline them.
We would do well to heed the words of Paul and consider carefully whether our words come from a heart of love. If not, our words become little more than annoying noise that wastes our breath and turns people away. No relationship, whether marriage, friendships or relationships within the church, can survive long without speaking in love. Words spoken from a heart of pride, self-righteousness, anger, jealousy, bitterness, or frustration become mere noise. They are the equivalent of standing at the other person's ear clanging cymbals together, "Bang, bang, bang." But, if we will allow love to guide our speech, we can strengthen others and positively impact them for God's glory. When our words are backed by a heart of love, they become life-giving and powerful.
Dr. Brian Kinlaw is the senior pastor of Southview Baptist Church of Hope Mills and can be reached at bkinlaw@nc.rr.com.