In this article we shall be looking at four popular expressions: (1) Four words: “In God we trust,” (2) Three words: “I love you,” (3) Two words: “Thank you” and (4) One word: “Amen.”
Four Word Expression: “In God We Trust”
“In God we trust” was adopted as the official motto of the United States in 1956 as an alternative or replacement to the unofficial motto of “E pluribus unum,” which was adopted when the Great Seal of the United States was created and adopted in 1782. Secularists have expressed objections to the use of “In God We Trust,” and they have sought to have the religious reference removed from the currency.
Christians know that “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). The apostle Paul showed the relationship of the Christian to government with “…supplications, prayers, intercession and giving of thanks, be made for… kings and all in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2; cf., Romans 13:1-7).
Three Word Expression: “I Love You”
Jesus showed the place of love in the scheme of redemption (Matthew 22:36; cf., 1 Corinthians 13). Spouses need to express regularly their love for each other. Parents need to express regularly to their children their love for them. Children need to express regularly their love for their parents.
Two Word Expression: “Thank You”
The Psalmist addressed this issue. “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so…” (Psalm 107:2). Paul commended his coworkers. About Timothy he said, “For I have no man like minded, who will naturally care for your state” (Philippians 2:20). For the Corinthians he wrote, “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:4). “Thank you” needs to be expressed to elders, one’s spouse, parents, teachers, etc.
One Word Expression: “Amen”
“Amen” is an exclamation said at the end of a prayer or hymn, meaning “so be it.” Those who lead in the public worship should stand up, speak up, shut up and sit down. During the days of miracles, Paul wrote to the Corinthians about the misuse of “tongues” in their worship. “Else when you shall bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the place of the unlearned say Amen at your giving of thanks, seeing he understands not what you said?” (1 Corinthians 14:16).
[Editor’s Note: All of our expressions, regardless of the number of words, ought to be fitting for coming forth from the mouth of a child of God. “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25 NKJV). “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31). “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (Ephesians 5:4). “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6). The Holy Book – the Bible – is filled with divine instructions regarding the speech of the child of God, indicating the difficulty with which humanity masters its words. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]
