The Gift of Speech

By Liz Wiskowski

      One of the greatest gifts God gave us is the gift of speech. No other created creature has this gift to communicate. How wonderful to be able to say “Father, forgive me for I have sinned.” and to hear the words spoken, “I absolve you from your sins.” We can hear and say the words please, and thank you, and I love you. We can use this gift to praise, teach, gently chastise, and to give solace and comfort.

      Jesus spoke and conversed with everyone; in a mountain, from a boat, with the people who followed Him around, His apostles, Mary and Martha, the woman at the well, and on and on. He taught and spoke of God’s kingdom. We can do the same.

      But this is also one of the most abused of God’s gifts. How often, in anger, have we spoken words that hurt someone? Are we quick to point out the faults of others? Does this make us feel superior? Slander and gossip are against God’s commandments, yet I hear this on a daily basis. The gift of speech comes from the hands of God and should be used to speak well of others and to praise Him. If tempted to do otherwise, just be silent.

      For Christmas, I gave each of my children and many of my friends little plaques that read: “Lord, please put your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.” – This says it all.