“So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.
This is certainly a tough reading and some folk have agonised over it, wondering if they have committed an unforgiveable sin. Jesus never said anything else remotely like this, and I will only highlight the fact that he is referring to a sin that is vocalised. Whilst much ink has been spilt over the meaning of the saying, Jesus’ conclusion in v 36 is inescapable: “I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
Language is so much more than just a means of communicating words, it conveys feelings, beliefs, criticism, praise, delight and derision. Once the words have been uttered they cannot be recalled, only be forgiven or resented.
Make how you speak and how you listen something to focus on this week.