Words

"Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." Proverbs 12:25

Can you remember a time when someone said something to you that *really* hurt you? Deeply? A word that still feels alive in you today?

Thoughtless comments can have lasting results. Oh, the power of the tongue! We must commit to giving hope. Ephesians 4:29 encourages us: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

This week when I was reading through this text in The Message, it referred to each word as a gift. Each word an opportunity to minister grace. What if people said of you: wait until you meet this woman, so gracious, every word leaving her mouth: precious, positive, prayerful, like a present.

Sue Keddy shared some wonderful words of encouragement at the retreat earlier this month. One that I have been particularly chewing on is that of “being a first responder”. Every moment we have an opportunity to respond to others and situations around us with Jesus in our mind, on our heart and with life-giving words on our lips. Picture yourself as a travelling first responder, dispensing word gifts that renew others’ strength, sharing joy and hope. Bringing life to dry, weary bones. We cannot solve other people’s problems, but we can hold their hand, remind them of Hope and walk with them through whatever they are facing. Never underestimate this powerful gift we all possess. Feeling rusty? Dig into the Word yourself, connect with a mentor and get ready – God needs you! We need each other!

Today, re-commit to bring out the best in others with verbal gifts.

Press in and press on,

Giselle