Today's Verse
And how delightful is a timely word!
Proverbs 15:23Thoughts on today's verse...
Have you ever been on the receiving end of an unexpected compliment? Or perhaps you were the one offering the compliment or words of encouragement to someone. You could just see their countenance change - from that of being consumed with worry and fretting to that of standing taller and having a bit more self confidence. Timely words can be wonderful healers of the spirit and crushed emotions.
Poorly timed words or caustic words have the exact opposite effect. Once they are out of our mouths, they can never be taken back. Then again, sometimes we find ourselves in the company of a very critical person who is berating someone and we find that we join right in and begin to destroy that person's character.
I think from now on, I'm going to find something nice or positive to say about the person who is being verbally assassinated. Everyone has something good about them that can be expounded upon. Besides, after having a negative conversation with someone and I walk away, I often wonder what they are saying about me behind my back! (And they are!)
My prayer...
Lord God, forgive me for the times I have been carried away with berating someone. May I remember that they are created in Your image and just because they are different from me or do things different from me doesn't mean that's a bad thing. It only means different. May I endeavor to find positive things to say about a person and to a person. Words that will heal and encourage and not words that destroy. In Jesus' name ~Amen!
Yours, because we're His,
Tamara
Again...words that I take to my heart, Tamara. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jackie
This is a conscious effort that should be made by all of us...not to speak badly about or to anyone, it shouldn't be tolerated but that would be in a perfect world....so many prefer to gain attention at another's expense. I won't allow the negativity to be said in my home as all are welcome....have a great day Tamara, I love the way you think.....:-) Hugs
ReplyDelete"Words that will heal and encourage and not words that destroy."
ReplyDeleteI am holding those words close to my heart and praying them.
I'm ashamed to admit that I have not often used words that encouraged or provided healing, especially when I look back on my life as a young mother. You know how so many mothers are the type to say, "Not my son! Not my daughter!" when they were accused of doing something. I was not that mother. I was the exact opposite, I was too quick to blame them. I cringe when I think of my impatience with them.
Wish I could go back and change it all.
Well, we can only move forward, and I will try to remember this scripture and this prayer in my dealings with others.
All the best,
Eileen