When I give out negativity it inevitable boomerangs back to me, often knocking me on my back and giving me a splitting headache. A boomerang was originally designed as a weapon to kill prey. In the trial and error of creating that perfect weapon, the returning boomerang was developed and transformed into a sport. When I think of this concept in reference to the power of words, I am reminded of our ‘do unto others’ ideal in our relationships with people.
In Luke 6:37 it reminds us, “don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, and criticize their faults-unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier.”
Doesn’t that just sound divine and so easy? Let us skip down the yellow brick road of life together and not find fault with anyone. I won’t point out your smoking or drinking or abusive relationships. I won’t talk about your sexual immorality or the simple fact that you are not performing up to God’s standard. Is this how I am to interpret this passage? I don’t think so. In order to honor God I need to live the principles I learn from those put in authority and at the same token, teach others who are in my authority. If I call myself a Christian, my responsibility is to teach others the hope in Jesus, call them to the work and help them take their own responsibility to reach those far from God.
We can challenge each other and throw the boomerang of strength and hope and light out there…guaranteed it will come back and fill us with the sunlight of the spirit just as much as the person we invite to a better life will feel it. Take up the initiative of creating that better life-throw the boomerang and create a concussion of accountability with compassion.