Did you ever have your day begin by receiving a nasty-gram email or an angry text? And the rest of the day felt like the above picture? Careless words, whether written or spoken, can blanket the whole day in a negative cloud.
Just from a few simple words.
As true followers of Jesus, may we learn to guard our words carefully and with wisdom and prayer. Spoken words and written words are powerful. We have the choice to slant our words in a positive or negative direction.
I challenge you this week to start each day with an encouragement. To a friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor.
And watch what a difference it makes to those around you.
Stifle the urge to criticize.
Practice the art of encouragement.
Share life-giving words of truth and hope.
“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul…” Proverbs 16:24
Book Giveaway – To enter, leave a comment or share a quote on encouragement. Winner will receive a copy of a cozy mystery, “The Wedding Caper,” by Janice A. Thompson.
I believe as a mother I have come to realize that women have tremendous power with their words and we need to use them wisely.
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Comment by Sherri Jackson — April 6, 2013
Sherri,
So very true. My mother has been gone for years but I still remember so much of her advice and treasure her words…
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Comment by admin — April 6, 2013
Amen, Sister. I’ve had to learn the hard way how our words can hurt and hate and hinder relationships. Now I often pray God will put a guard over my mouth.
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Comment by Vonda Skelton — April 6, 2013
Vonda,
We all need to pray that prayer every day. It’s hard when people use hurtful words and the immediate reaction is to strike back. It takes the grace of God to take the higher road and stay silent, giving it over to God. A daily battle : )
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Comment by admin — April 6, 2013
What a truth! Life and death is in the tongue. May the Lord put a guard over mine! I want my children, spouse, and friends to feel uplifted after spending time with me, but sadly I know I have some improving to do in that area. Great reminder, Cynthia!
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Comment by Kathleen L. Maher — April 6, 2013
Kathleen,
I think it helps as we get more into the Word of God. Storing up the Word in our hearts and in our thoughts. It is sure to carry over into our daily lives. And yes, we are all working on this common problem of guarding our words!
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Comment by admin — April 6, 2013
So identify with this. Its way too easy to fire off an email and the recipient has no idea of your tone of voice, expression etc. Maybe it wasn’t even meant the way it was taken. We all need encouragement but we all must freely give it as well.
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Comment by Cindy Regnier — April 6, 2013
Cindy,
I totally agree with extra caution with emails. My fingers were itching to type out a sarcastic response but I behaved…and just deleted the email so I wouldn’t be tempted to respond : ) I’ve learned from previous experience that emails can be completely misunderstood because of what you noted, “no idea of tone of voice, expression etc.”
Thanks for stopping by!
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Comment by admin — April 6, 2013
I have learned long ago how hard it is to move on after someone has slashed you with negative words. I often keep I Corinthians 13:1 in mind: “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
I try to truly think before I speak. And ask myself is this going to be full of love or am I just going to be a clanging cymbal? Thinking first usually gives me a moment to focus on the heart of what I am doing which always leaves me open to love.
Thank you so much for sharing. I really enjoyed the reminder to continue to be vigilant with my words.
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Comment by Kelly Blackwell — April 7, 2013
Hi Kelly,
Thank you for the scripture passage. I hope your week is filled with positive words!
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Comment by admin — April 7, 2013
I so agree – I am slowly learning to pause and think about what I say…we need to be encouraging to each other because life itself is discouraging in that we are constantly facing temptations and strife. Thanks for the reminder!! =)
truckredford (at)gmail(dot)com
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Comment by ELIZA ELLIOT — April 7, 2013
Eliza,
So true, life can be difficult enough without us beating up on each other with our words. Praying for God’s grace to fill our days and to share with others along the way.
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Comment by admin — April 7, 2013
remember the ‘golden rule’…thanks for the chance to read this wonderful novel
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Comment by karenk — April 7, 2013
Karen,
Yes, back to the golden rule!
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Comment by admin — April 7, 2013
I think there’s a great example of encouragement in Barnabas. He is the one who took Paul under his wing, encouraged John Mark and is always helping the “outsider.” I like Barnabas because he challenges me to take a chance on someone who’s a new believer or an immature one and help him along.
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Comment by Lou Ann — April 24, 2013
Lou Ann,
My husband did a study on Barnabas before and found him to be one of his favorite characters in the Bible. Yes, he is a great example for encouragement. Thanks for your comment!
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Comment by admin — April 25, 2013