Francis of Assisi (1181-1226), is alleged to have said: “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” That might be one of the great misquotes of Christian history!
There are two problems with the quote. First of all, he never said it – and he certainly didn’t practise it! The second is that it is not what we’re told to do in scripture. Jesus said, when you “go into all the world … teach people to obey all that I have commanded” (Matthew 28).
In Jesus’s view it is necessary to use words.
Now, of course, Francis had a point, and the point he always made in his work, in his writings, was this: don’t just use words. Our mouths need to be open with the gospel of Christ, our wallets need to be open with the generosity of Christ, our hearts need to be open with the love of Christ, and our homes need to be open in hospitality like Christ. But words are a necessary component!
Jesus came with the “words of life” (Jn 6:68), and when we go in his name and with his gospel “[w]e are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Cor 5:20). The gospel of God is transmitted with words – spoken, written, printed, broadcast, texted, WhatsApp’d etc to individuals, families and crowds. When he calls us into partnership with him, he gives us the privilege of speaking his word!
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the privilege of speaking your life-giving word to people who need to hear about you. Thank you for the way your word changes lives. Give me the courage to speak it boldy. Amen.
