This morning’s sermon on the second Sunday of Advent gave me pause. It wasn’t a new subject, but the sermon took on new meaning for me on a personal level, as well as broader level as a United States citizen.

Do you have regrets? For many people living in the U.S., they’re probably regretting that second, third, or gasp!, fourth helping of turkey at Thanksgiving dinner.

Our regrets are often not what we do, but what we say. The publication of hundreds of thousands of United States diplomatic cables by Wikileaks this past week has caused much regret and embarrassment.

We all have regrets over words we’ve said. What we say is often worse than doing the wrong thing. Not just what we say, but how we say it.

Can I Have a Do-Over?

I’ve had my share of regrets where I wish I had not spoken, quite a change from my pre-college days when I was known for my quietness. Would love to have an opportunity to travel back in time and practice keeping quiet rather than speaking out.

Words are powerful; they reflect what’s in our hearts. Words can hurt, drag people down, and destroy relationships. Alternatively, words can inspire, build a lasting, caring relationship, and a strong sense of trust.

But… anyone can say “words matter.” A non-believer in a higher being can say it as easily as a faith believer.

Two Words

For Christians, consider how your words might change if you prefaced each sentence with “In Jesus.” Would you continue with your comments, conversation or rebuke?

Or would you take a moment to consider how your words affect others?

What we say does matter. What we do should make what we say more eloquent.