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I have been pondering lately the way we use the term amen in the church. I catch it being used in many different ways. It is of course used as we end our prayers, when we say grace and then I love hearing it in general conversation where we are using it almost as if to say yes. Such a small phrase but such a bold and big declaration!
Francis Frangipane wrote:
“Perhaps we do not realize it, but every time we say, “Amen” to something, we are not only giving an emotional assent to what was said. Amen means more than “I agree.” It also means, “So be it.” In other words, don’t just talk about the truth, be it. Don’t just tell us the standard, attain it. Let’s not just enjoy the teaching, let’s live it. Let's not limit our Christianity to doctrine.”
Amazing how four little letters can say all of that. How often do we stop and really consider our words and their impact? All of creation happened because God spoke. We are made in His image and just like His, our words have power.
Proverbs 15:4 “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
Proverbs 16:24 “Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
Proverbs 18:4 “A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.”
The next time you catch yourself uttering those four letters take a moment and realize that you are releasing the power of God into the earth every time you say Amen/So be it!