Sarcasm

I have been giving some thought lately to the power of our words.  I believe to many times we take the words we speak for granted.  We convey our thoughts and relay our messages with our words.  You have heard the saying "sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me."  I used to say it when I was young and actually taught the expression to my children trying to ease the hurt from some unfriendly expressions directed towards them.  I would tell them that those expressions are just words and they can't hurt you.  Needless to say, that just wasn't true.  The words people use are powerful weapons that can be used to build up or tear down.  Below is one example of our choice of words that can be quite harmful. Sarcasm is a weapon that can if used right make a statement of something that may be wrong in some situations, but if used wrong, which I believe most of us do, can be a weapon that is used to destroy or at least belittle.  Look at the definition of "Sarcasm."  These definitions come from different sources but all carry the same meaning. –noun1.harsh or bitter derision or irony.2.a sharply ironical taunt; sneering or cutting remark: a review full of sarcasms. Origin: 1570–80; < LL sarcasmus < Gk sarkasmós, deriv.of sarkázein to rend (flesh), sneer; see sarco-Synonyms:1. sardonicism, bitterness, ridicule.sar·casm    (sär'kāz'əm)    n.  A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.  A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.

Word Origin & History sarcasm  1579, from L.L. sarcasmos, from Gk. sarkasmos "a sneer, jest, taunt, mockery," from sarkazein "to speak bitterly, sneer," lit. "to strip off the flesh," from sarx (gen. sarkos) "flesh," prop. "piece of meat," from PIE base *twerk- "to cut" (cf. Avestan thwares "to cut"). 

I am bringing out this particular use of words because it is something we are all guilty of.  Yes, sticks and stones can break our bones, but they will heal. Words can and do hurt and can cause a lifetime of pain and suffering beyond what we may understand.  If the words we choose to use are for building up and encouraging then we can be assured those receiving those words will not suffer from the deep wounds of sarcasm.  Look at the definitions of sarcasm, "cutting remarks," "ridicule," "remark 
intended to wound," "make its victim the butt of contempt," "to strip off the flesh." The words we choose to use will either build up or tear down, which words would you rather be the recipient of?  Let me share with you a bit of the scriptures relating to the power of WORDS.  

The very first chapter and verse of the Bible give indication just how powerful words are, Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created..." How did God create anything, He spoke them into existence.  In John 1:1 it says the "Word was with God and the Word was God."  In other words, when Christ came to earth in the form of man, He was the Word of God. God is His Word.  Look at these scriptures that give us some good advice on the words we use: Proverbs is full of good advice, for instance Prov. 

15:1-2, "a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."  "The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly."Verse 4 says this; "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." Prov. 16:24 brings out the importance of the words we use, "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." 
Then in the 18th chapter, the 21st verse makes it plain, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."  I could go on and list many more scriptures about our use of words, but I believe these will bring out the point that our words are to be used wisely, and should be for encouraging and building up.  Some must be used for rebuke and correction but in the spirit of love. If we continually criticize, make sarcastic remarks, and find ways to belittle our fellow man, then be assured that your heart is not where it needs to be with the Lord.  Look at this one last scripture, Luke 6:45 "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks."  

I am hoping that we all can take the time to reflect on our own lives for a time and take inventory on what is in our hearts.  There is nothing more important than our 
relationship with God, if we are distant from Him, our spirits cannot convey the Love He has for us to share with others.  Realize that what comes out of your mouth in the form of words is what truly is in your heart.  If one speaks words of love and encouragement and your relationship with God is right, then you will be as Prov. 15:4 says: "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life.."  If your relationship with God is not where it should be then you may well fall into the last part of the verse, "but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."  I know that some may not like to hear these things, but for me, I choose to use words of encouragement and expressions of love.  I hope you will join me in this and take note of what words you use and 
how you use them.  Sarcasm can be used in some situations as long as it can bring about good, but lets be honest, most of us do not use Sarcasm for good so why not strike the use of it.  If you find yourself using words to bring hurt and judgment on others, especially those who are closest to you, make an effort to change or in=20 the sense that the scriptures demand, "Repent."  Repent means nothing more than "change direction."  If you yield your life to Christ then He will help you to 
bring about that change of direction.  I realize this is a bit long, but I believe it is important.  We are continually under attack from the enemy, satan, and he would like nothing more than to keep you from what God has for you.  Satan and his cohorts are out to not only destroy you, he wants to destroy your marriage, your family, and remove any hope from you.  Rest assured, Christ already won the battle, and we 
have an advocate in Him, all we have to do is "Trust and obey Him."

Thank you for taking the time to read this and think about what was said.  If you have other areas in your life that you would like some help with or need some advice, please feel free to e-mail me.  I will make every effort to answer your questions or help in any way I can.

In Christ,

Steve