Words that unite strengthen faith, sobriety, and fellowship. Once we speak, we cannot take our words back, and our words often travel farther than we intend. Therefore, in sobriety, I choose words that are kind, thoughtful, considerate, and helpful. Careless words divide people, but loving words build unity and restore relationships.
Words That Unite and Words That Divide
Two biblical stories reveal the power of language. On one hand, Babel shows how words scatter people. On the other hand, Pentecost shows how language brings people together.
Babel and the Power of Divisive Words
In Genesis, the Tower of Babel shows how pride and ambition disrupt unity and communication. The people built a tower to reach heaven because they wanted to make a name for themselves and act apart from God’s will. As a result, their effort did not unite them; instead, it created confusion and division. In response, God said:
“Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.” So, the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore, its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth.” – Genesis 11:6-9
Consequently, God came down, confused their language, and scattered them across the earth.
Pentecost and Words That Unite
Thousands of years later, however, God sent the Holy Spirit upon the early Christians at Pentecost. Through the Spirit, they spoke in different languages and carried the message of the Lord across the earth (Acts 2). In contrast to Babel, Pentecost shows the Holy Spirit creating unity. While Babel shows humanity separating from God, Pentecost shows God gathering people together. Together, these stories show how words divide or unite.
Recovery Fellowship and Shared Words
Likewise, in sobriety, we gather in meetings to share our experience, strength, and hope. A shared recovery language brings people together. The Third and Fifth Traditions also emphasize AA’s mission to carry the message while remaining inclusive. In this way, AA reflects Pentecost: people from different backgrounds unite around a common purpose under the guidance and care of a Higher Power.
Choosing Words That Build Unity
However, poor structure, misguided motives, selfish ambition, and divisive words can weaken a meeting or fellowship. As a result, like the Tower of Babel, it can collapse, and members may scatter. Ultimately, words serve their truest purpose when they lead people away from division and toward unity in the service of God.
Reflection: How can your words that unite help strengthen faith, sobriety, and fellowship in your relationships this week? Are you living the unity leg of the Legacy Triangle in your recovery?