Listen:
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24)
Reflect:
Sitting in church last Sunday I listened as the Pastor welcomed us, introduced the worship time, dismissed the children and prayed. All quite ordinary things yet his words were gracious and kind as he spoke of God’s love and welcome for each one of us. He expressed an understanding of our humanness, our frailty and failures, and he spoke words from scripture describing God’s goodness and faithfulness, Jesus’ love and sacrifice for us, and the amazing way the Holy Spirit helps us, and so on!
I felt valued, accepted and encouraged. My faith was strengthened as I heard truth being spoken. My fears were allayed as I was reminded that even my recent mistakes and failures could be forgiven.
His words were sweet and healing to my inner being and balm to my spirit.
So how can we speak words which will speak healing and convey sweetness? I’m thinking we need to spend quality time with the source of all that is beautiful and true.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Prayer of Response:
“Dear Lord Jesus, you are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Please forgive me for the times I have spoken unkindly to others or about others, or about myself. I do want to change. Help me to seek your help in every difficult conversation and give me gracious words I pray. Help me to spend time with you, meditating on your word, so that my words become gentler, kinder and more gracious.”
—Submitted by Elaine Davis
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