An encouraging word for the month.
“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”-Proverbs 16:24
I have always appreciated this quote from William Barclay: “One of the highest human duties is the duty of encouragement…It is easy to laugh at men’s ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word.” Do you agree with what Mr. Barclay said? I sure do! But whether you like this quote or not, God tells us in His Word that kind, pleasant words bring a sweetness to life; they are good for others and us!
It never fails to surprise me that when I am compelled to speak to someone a word of encouragement, to text another a word of hope, to reach out to a person with a word that uplifts - how it bears fruit. I know personally how often I have been powerfully impacted by a kind word from another. Words that build up make a difference! But why? Why are kind words so impactful? What is it about encouragement that makes a positive difference?
Words matter! We might try to pretend that they don’t mean much, but they do. It’s because God created words, and words communicate something. Do our words speak life or death? God tells us our words can work both ways: “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences" (Proverbs 18:21). In other words, what we speak and how we speak can be helpful or hurtful. Do we really want to be known for our hurtful words? Do we want to be thought of as “Ol' hurtful Harry or Hannah”? I don’t think so! I think we would rather leave a legacy as one who spoke what was healing and helpful to others.
Let’s be reminded to follow what the Lord has commanded us, His followers, in regards to the words we use. Kind words bring health to souls! It's beneficial for others to receive such words, and it's really good for us to share kind words with those around us! May we prayerfully be on the lookout for how we can speak life to someone else. It might be a family member who could use some words of gratitude for something they did, or for who they are. It might be a stranger at the grocery store who seems down and could use a joyful greeting or some kind of helpful word of encouragement. It might be a teacher, a co-worker, a classmate…it might even be someone you struggle to get along with who could be forever changed for good if we would speak some words of life to them. Sharing the truth from God’s Word in a gracious way with someone has an immeasurable impact! May kind words abound from our mouths for the glory of God and to propel others forward in the Lord.
Cheer up, friends!
-Scott