Words of Grace
Proverbs 15:4; 16:23-24 (The Message)
Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.
They make a lot of sense, these wise folks; whenever they speak, their reputation increases. Gracious speech is like clover honey - good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body.
Reflection
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.” As a child, I remember this rhyme, which was sometimes said to people who were calling other people names. According to Wikipedia, the phrase was used as a defense against verbal bullying intended to “increase resiliency, avoid physical retaliation, and/or to remain calm and indifferent.” A part of me can see why this was said, yet I think we all know that words can do immense harm to another person. On the other hand, words can also be a way of showing grace, or underserved favor. Grace is the story of why we are forgiven by God. It is unmerited love.
At The Tree Church, we are currently learning what it means to be holy and set apart from the world. I believe that this means our way of speaking to others should sound different. We should stand out as people who consider our words carefully, speaking gently as we build up others in body and soul. We should constantly be extending words of grace.
Words slide through our fingers or off our tongues very quickly as we communicate our feelings, specifically on social media. Perhaps we need to slow down our typing and our speech so that our words reflect graciousness to others.
Action Step
Do you consider all of your words carefully when communicating to others? Are your words showing grace or unmerited love? Remember that Jesus has saved us by His grace and be challenged this week to extend that grace to others through your words.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are full of grace and mercy. Help me to reflect that grace and mercy to others as I speak into their lives. I want my life to be set apart as I reflect Your holiness and grace in my speech. I need the help of Your Holy Spirit to keep me focused on being more like You. Amen.
Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.
They make a lot of sense, these wise folks; whenever they speak, their reputation increases. Gracious speech is like clover honey - good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body.
Reflection
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.” As a child, I remember this rhyme, which was sometimes said to people who were calling other people names. According to Wikipedia, the phrase was used as a defense against verbal bullying intended to “increase resiliency, avoid physical retaliation, and/or to remain calm and indifferent.” A part of me can see why this was said, yet I think we all know that words can do immense harm to another person. On the other hand, words can also be a way of showing grace, or underserved favor. Grace is the story of why we are forgiven by God. It is unmerited love.
At The Tree Church, we are currently learning what it means to be holy and set apart from the world. I believe that this means our way of speaking to others should sound different. We should stand out as people who consider our words carefully, speaking gently as we build up others in body and soul. We should constantly be extending words of grace.
Words slide through our fingers or off our tongues very quickly as we communicate our feelings, specifically on social media. Perhaps we need to slow down our typing and our speech so that our words reflect graciousness to others.
Action Step
Do you consider all of your words carefully when communicating to others? Are your words showing grace or unmerited love? Remember that Jesus has saved us by His grace and be challenged this week to extend that grace to others through your words.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are full of grace and mercy. Help me to reflect that grace and mercy to others as I speak into their lives. I want my life to be set apart as I reflect Your holiness and grace in my speech. I need the help of Your Holy Spirit to keep me focused on being more like You. Amen.
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