By Elder Ronald A. Rasband
Words set a tone. They voice our thoughts, feelings, and experiences, for good or bad. Elder Ronald A. Rasband emphasizes the profound impact of words, highlighting their ability to connect us, represent our beliefs, and influence our actions. He underscores the importance of the Lord’s words, the words of prophets, and our own words, urging us to use them thoughtfully and with love.
The Power of Words
Elder Rasband begins by discussing the fundamental role that words play in our lives. Words are the foundation of communication, representing our thoughts and beliefs. They can build up or tear down, and once spoken, they cannot be taken back.
“Words matter! They are the bedrock of how we connect; they represent our beliefs, morals, and perspectives.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
- Matthew 12:36-37: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
The Lord’s Words
Elder Rasband emphasizes that the Lord’s words are paramount. He recounts scriptural examples demonstrating the enduring power of God’s words, which guide and uplift us. Believing and heeding the word of God draws us closer to Him.
“The ‘word of God’ surpasses all other expressions. It has been so since the Creation of the earth when the Lord spoke: ‘Let there be light: and there was light.’”
Scriptural references for further study:
- John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
- Alma 32:28: “Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.”
The Words of Prophets
Elder Rasband asserts the importance of the words of modern prophets. He shares personal experiences of how prophetic counsel has guided him and stresses the need to sustain and act on the prophet’s words.
“Words of the prophet matter to the Lord and to us.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Amos 3:7: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”
- D&C 1:38: “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”
Our Own Words
Elder Rasband emphasizes the impact of our own words in daily interactions. He urges us to use kind, thoughtful, and sincere words, especially within our families and communities. He suggests using phrases like “Thank you,” “I am sorry,” and “I love you” to heal and uplift.
“Talk is growing cheap; do not follow that pattern.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
- James 1:19: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
Calls to Action
- Think celestial! When you are confronted with a dilemma, think celestial!
- Let God prevail in your life.
- Strive to be peacemakers always.
- Use the words ‘Thank you,’ ‘I am sorry,’ and ‘I love you’ often and sincerely.