By Sheila Alewine @AlewineSheila

No one can dispute the power of words, and I believe written words are exponentially more powerful, if only because they last longer. If a friend or loved one says something encouraging to me, I may remember it for a few days, or if it was especially impactful, it may stay with me for much longer. But by and large, the words we speak accomplish their purpose in the moment, unlike written words which can last for centuries.

I’m truly thankful for all the writers, authors, preachers, and teachers who took time to write down the wisdom they gleaned from time and experience, record history so we don’t repeat it, and dream up fantastic stories to entertain and inspire me. Gratitude for the writers who inspire me are one reason I keep “plugging away” at my own attempts to formulate words, craft blog posts, and weave my thoughts into something worth writing down. I want to “pay it forward.” I want to share the beauty and joy of serving God through writing, not only for this present generation who encourages me with their “likes” or “re-posts,” but for the next generation who may pick up one of my devotional books in a thrift store in an age when printed material is even less in vogue than it is today!

Here are three reasons scripture tells me I should keep writing, even when “those voices” we all hear when we’re discouraged whisper that I’ve got nothing new to say, or that someone has already said it better.

1. People need to hear about God’s grace.

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve posted a devotional thought on Facebook or released a blog post thinking it was a less-than-stellar attempt at communicating what I wanted to say, and been surprised by the feedback saying it was just what someone needed to hear, at just the right time. Grace-filled words are one way we steward the manifold gifts of grace that God has given to us (1 Peter 4:10-11). It took me a long time to accept that I was “gifted” to write, but I finally realized to keep denying it was a gift was to essentially take credit for it myself, the very thing I was trying not to do! If writing is one of your grace-gifts, you have an obligation to use it! Grace is unique in that we give away what we’ve received. As we pass on good, grace-filled words, our readers are receiving grace not just from us, but from God, who is the source of all grace.

2. People need to hear about God’s healing.

There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

When I’m hurting, I’m not quick to want to talk about it. Sitting down and talking through issues or feelings is the last thing on my list. I don’t think I’m alone in this. Some people like to talk, but there’s a whole world of people who process things better by quiet contemplation. As we write about our own hurts and how God healed us and brought us through them, we can encourage others to do the same. We can point people to real answers, not psychology or culture. We can write honestly about both our good and poor choices, and where they led us. We can help people to perhaps examine their own hearts, motives and actions and give them tangible answers for healing. We live in a world filled with bitterness, unforgiveness, malice, insecurity, abuse, and fear. We need to be voices of healing and hope on all cultural platforms to combat the lies that are out there, and writing is one of the most visible platforms, even when you don’t think anyone is reading!

3. People need to hear about God’s salvation.

And pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:19-20)

The most important thing we will ever write about is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul was called to preach the gospel; I believe as Christ-followers and disciples of Jesus we are called to write the gospel. We can do this in overtly obvious ways (my particular calling), or in less obvious ways such as good fiction which expresses a Christian worldview and honors God in a format that is interesting and entertaining for both believers and non-believers. A good writer can produce a quality novel that never mentions the name of God but takes advantages of those end pages to make a clear presentation of the gospel that inspired the story. As God gifts us and inspires us to write in lots of different ways, we ought to make HIS story a part of every piece we produce.

I want to pass on God’s grace, God’s healing, and God’s salvation to my readers. What inspires you to write?

Author Sheila Alewine is a pastor’s wife, mother and grandmother. She and her husband lead Around The Corner Ministries, which serves to equip Christ-followers to share the gospel where they live, work and play. She has written several devotionals including Living In Light of the Manger (Advent), Just Pray: God’s Not Done With You Yet, Grace & Glory: 50 Days in the Purpose & Plan of God, as well as Going Around The Corner, a Bible study for small groups who desire to reach their communities for Christ. Sheila has a passion for God’s Word and shares what God is teaching her on her blog, The Way of The Word. Connect with her on her blog, Facebook, and Instagram.