In John 6:15-21, we encounter a profound moment where the disciples, caught in the middle of a storm, find themselves battling both the physical winds and the emotional winds of fear and doubt. They rowed for hours without making progress, struggling against a force far beyond their control. And then, when it seemed like all hope was lost, Jesus appears walking on water, speaking only a few words: “It is I; do not be afraid.” With those words, fear was silenced, and peace was restored.
What’s striking about this passage is the simplicity and the power of those words. Jesus doesn’t give them a long explanation. He doesn’t start by showing them miraculous signs. He simply speaks, and with those few words, everything changes. “It is I; do not be afraid.”
Our words carry tremendous power. They can build, but they can also destroy. They can wound, but they can also heal. In a world where many people are struggling in silence, feeling isolated or unseen, the power of our words can be a lifeline. A simple word said with love has the power to turn darkness into light.
Consider the story of Helen Keller. From her earliest childhood, Helen lived in a world devoid of both sound and sight. The silence she experienced wasn’t merely the absence of noise—it was a complete inability to connect with others in a way most of us take for granted. She couldn’t hear comforting words or see reassuring expressions. Loneliness and confusion filled her life. Then came a moment that would change everything: her teacher, Anne Sullivan, placed Helen’s hand under a stream of cool water and spelled out “W-A-T-E-R” in her palm. Suddenly, the sensation on her hand, the letters being traced, and the concept they represented all aligned. That single word unlocked a universe of meaning and possibility for Helen. From that moment, the dark silence wasn’t quite as overwhelming, because there was now a bridge—language—enabling her to connect her inner world with the people around her.
These words don’t just come from extraordinary teachers or historical moments; they come from all of us, every day. We may never stand in a position as dramatic as Helen Keller’s, but we interact with those around us in ways that can profoundly impact their lives. Consider someone struggling with loneliness, someone who feels like no one notices their pain. A simple text, a word of encouragement, or a prayer spoken aloud can become the lifeline that breaks through their isolation.
Jesus, in our passage, showed us that our words are meant to heal. He used His voice not just to reveal Himself but to bring peace into a storm. In the same way, when we speak with love, kindness, and compassion, we can offer healing to those suffering around us. The words we choose can help others feel seen, known, and loved, just as Christ saw and comforted the disciples in their fear.
Let us remember that our words are not just tools for communication—they are instruments of healing, just as Christ’s were. We may not always understand the depth of their impact, but we know this: just as Jesus’ words calmed the storm, our words can calm the storms in others’ hearts. Let us choose them carefully and use them to build up, not tear down.
