29
Jan '19
Whispering Words
29
Jan '19
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29)
The young man fidgeted as he sat down for his flight. His eyes darted back and forth to the aircraft windows. Then he closed his eyes and breathed deeply, trying to calm himself—but it didn’t work. As the plane took off, he slowly rocked back and forth. An older woman across the aisle from him put her hand on his arm and gently engaged him in conversation to divert his attention from his stress. “What’s your name?” “Where are you from?” “We’re going to be okay,” and “You’re doing well” were a few things she whispered. She could have been irritated with him or ignored him. But she chose a touch and a few words. Little things. When they landed three hours later, he said, “Thank you so much for helping me.”
Such beautiful pictures of tenderheartedness can be hard to find. Kindness does not come naturally to many of us; our primary concern is often ourselves. But when the apostle Paul urged, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32), he was not saying it all depends on us. After we’ve been given a new life by our faith in Jesus, the Spirit begins a transformation. Kindness is the ongoing work of the Spirit renewing our thoughts and attitudes (v. 23).
The God of compassion is at work in our hearts, allowing us in turn to touch others’ lives by reaching out and whispering words of encouragement.
Lord, use me today to bring someone hope, a lighter burden, encouragement. Amen.
This devotion blessed me, so simple yet so powerful. Helping one person may not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person. Today, may we be reminded that compassion is understanding the troubles of others and reaching out. A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. Be His hands extended each and every day.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 5:14-16
08
Sep '16
Words
08
Sep '16
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29)
Saying only what is helpful to others would be transformative for many of us. Speaking what is helpful doesn’t mean only saying things that make others feel good. It will sometimes mean speaking hard truths in love and constructively criticizing others for their own good and for the glory of God. Building human beings up, much like construction of any type, takes hard work, sweat and tears. It’s not all easy compliments and flattery. Building up our brothers and sisters requires a strong foundation of truth and love and a desire to see the other grow in the Lord.
What may build up one person could tear down another. We cannot make sweeping declarations and assume that our words are beneficial for all. The saying, ‘there’s a time and a place’ exists for a good reason. When, how and even where we speak to someone can dramatically change how our words are received and their end effect. If I criticize someone in front of others at their birthday party, it doesn’t matter how true and constructive my words are because I’ve humiliated them and ruined a special time. But if I take that person aside on a different day and speak to them privately, my words could encourage and ultimately build them up.
Will it benefit those listening? Ask yourself that every time you’re about to open your mouth in the coming days. It will dramatically alter your conversations. If I’m asking myself that question before opening my mouth, I’m going to have to change the sound of frustration in my voice when I talk to my children, I’m going to have to complain less about others. I’m going to have to soften criticism by pairing it with encouragement. And I’m probably going to end up sharing the gospel a lot more. Because really, what could benefit those listening more than hearing about a Savior who offers the words of eternal life to those whose tongues have known only destruction? Talking about our Jesus will always benefit our listeners and it will equally benefit our own hearts. The infallible redeemer is the ultimate subject of wholesome, helpful and beneficial talk and hearing about Him is the only thing that fits according to all our needs.
Heavenly Father, help us to be mindful of our words today, help us to realize there truly is a time and place for everything to be said. It’s not what you say it’s how and when you say it. Use me today to make a difference in my children’s lives and those I come in contact with just by how, what and when I speak. Amen.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Chronicles 29:14-19