Sweet Words

August 3, 2026

From Pastor Joseph Wamack

Hello MAC Family! I hope you are well this week. I pray your words have not gotten you into any trouble, but that your words have been sweet, clear and expressed love to others. Many times it is not the message we are wanting to share that gets us in trouble, but the way we convey the message that leads to a misunderstanding. After being married for many years and seeing the way my wife responds-positive or negative-to my words, I realize my words, the ones I choose to say and how I say them, make a big difference. Words can be life-or death-to many people. Words have power and meaning

Look at these actual “church bulletin announcement bloopers” if you don’t believe me that the way you say things makes a big difference. (Back in the day when everyone had a 2–3 page bulletin). I think I know what they meant to say, but it came out a bit wrong.

• A bean supper will be held Saturday evening in the church basement. Music will follow.

• For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

• The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind, and they may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

• During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J. F. Stubbs preached from our pulpit.

• The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.

• Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It is a good chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

• The Rev. Adams spoke briefly, much to the delight of his audience.

• This afternoon there will be a meeting in the South and North ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.

• The cost for attending the Fasting and Prayer conference includes meals.

In each case, I think I know what they mean, but what they said is not necessarily what they meant. Oh, how good editing can change everything! The words we say are very important and the way we say them are equally important.

One thing I have learned the hard way is, through experience-once you say something, you cannot take it back. I can apologize, I can say nice things on top of it, but the harmful, hurtful, crude words I said are still out there in someone’s mind and hearing. The Bible says, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24).

I need to ask myself, “Why wouldn’t I say something nicely rather than harshly? Why wouldn’t I rather say something direct, but also kind and tactfully if I can? Why wouldn’t I want my words to be a honeycomb of grace to others?”

Today, may my words be sweet and kind, but still true. The Bible also says, “Speak the truth in love.” I can do both-be truthful and loving-it is not either-or. May your words be sweet today my Friends. Speak kindly, gently, if possible, be nicer than necessary. Choose your words carefully-you just might need to eat them someday.