Your Words Can Transform

The officers answered, “Never has a man spoken in this way!”

John 7:46 (NASB)

A young pastor went to a store with his wife and son to buy a suit, but he was mistaken for someone who had failed to pay for clothes purchased two days earlier. Upon seeing him, the store manager—who had previously filed a complaint—called the police to report his return. Taken to the police station, the pastor saw the situation resolved when an officer reviewed the surveillance footage and realized a mistake had been made. Acknowledging the humiliation the young pastor had endured in front of his family, the officer told him he could file a complaint against the manager for the baseless accusation. The man replied that God never makes mistakes. Sometimes, He uses people endowed with discernment and wisdom to instruct—through their conduct and words—those who need to be convinced of divine love.

When was the last time you were wrongly accused or humiliated by someone trying to cover up their own mistakes? Did you react emotionally, seeking to set the record straight, or did you respond with the wisdom this man showed? It is not always easy to accept the harm others cause us; yet, a wise response to their negative behavior often leads them to reflect and reconsider their own attitudes.

In the passage we are reflecting on, the report the officers gave to the Jewish religious leaders did not satisfy them, as they had expected the officers to return with Jesus under arrest. However, the message of Jesus Christ had transformed the officers' lives and won them over. Do you realize that, just like the words of Jesus, your own words can change lives and lead others to declare that they have never heard a message quite like yours? Exercise wisdom and discernment.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.