Tuesday June 2, 2020

Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:

I once read a comic strip which illustrated the power of the way we speak to each other. A man and his son were waiting for their train to arrive at the station. They sat patiently on the bench talking with each other and watching the hustle and bustle of the crowds. Soon the father noticed a man nearby. His face was downcast, and it was clear that he was having a rough morning. Recognizing a teachable moment, the father leans over to his son and says, “Watch this.” He proceeds to walk over to the sad-looking man and says, “Hey, I just wanted to say that I really like your hat, and you are awesome for wearing it.” The man is a bit taken aback but smiles confusedly and says thank you. Returning to his seat, the father and son look again at the man. There is a slight, but distinct change in the man’s countenance. Whereas before he was downcast, now he is standing a bit straighter with his chin up. Before he appeared brooding, now his face was a bit brighter and a small smile played across his lips. “See?”, the father said. “We all have superpowers.” Though it may seem like a small and silly thing, I think most of us can testify to the impact a kind word can have. There have been times when I was feeling quite low, but a kind word from someone brought me right up. This is not only practical, but it is Biblical.

Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

The Bible takes this even further, however. Proverbs 18:20-21 From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. (21) Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

If we believe that our words can bring death and life, why are we not more careful with what we say and how we say it? If the results of our words were immediately felt, Facebook would be a deathtrap. The words of God’s people should be pouring out life to all with whom we come into contact. People’s lives should be improved as a result of speaking with us. But when we speak without consideration, we wound rather than heal, and healing is the business of a believer.

Proverbs 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

-Jared Freeman, “Sharp Tongues“