Gracious Words
A devotional by Melissa Henderson
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
~Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)
Have you considered your words lately? What about your thoughts? Who did you have conversations with today? Reflecting back on this day and recent times, have you shown the glory of God in your words and actions?
Each day, we are given opportunities to shine His love to others. When things are going great and life is lovely, we are happy to share good news and be joyful in discussions with others.
What about those times when life is tough and we feel like venting?
Those times when someone cuts in front of us in the traffic line, or someone gives a not so nice opinion, or something happens at your job and you just feel like you could scream. How do you handle those times? Are your words soothing and calming, gracious and sweet to the soul?
Or are your words angry and defensive, bitter to you and to others?
These are times when we definitely need to pause and ask God for help. Ask Him for peace of mind and heart. Ask Him for the words He would like you to share with others.
Ask… Ask…
He knows our hearts. He knows exactly what we need.
Imagine having a conversation with someone and the words from the other person are hurtful and angry. Maybe tears flow as the first reaction was unbelief at what was being said. The next reaction might be to defend yourself with hurtful words. How would that help the situation?
Instead, what if you walked away from the conversation? What about pausing to pray and asking God for the words He wants you to share? Or maybe God wants you to stay quiet in this particular instance. Ask Him for guidance.
How do you feel when someone gives you a compliment? When words spoken to you are gracious and sweet to the soul. Does that kindness cause you to want to respond in kindness?
Do you easily lift up others with gracious words and friendliness? We may never know what someone is experiencing in their life. Gracious words can change the perspective of a person who needs love and kindness.
Say hello to the cashier at the store, to the letter carrier, to a neighbor. Ask “How are you?” and truly pause to listen to the answer. Visit a nursing home and listen to the stories of the people there. Their lives are full of magnificent journeys. Taking a walk in the neighborhood on the weekend often brings a chance to speak with people we may not see during the week.
Listen to how you speak to others, in person and on the phone. Are you shining God’s love in your words and your actions? A smile and friendly words can soothe and heal the heart.
Listen to the way people speak to you. Is there something bothering them and they need comfort by your words?
Many questions and many things to consider. Words are a very special way to show others His love and grace. I pray today will be a day full of gracious words.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
~*~
Author Bio:
He knows our hearts. He knows exactly what we need.
Imagine having a conversation with someone and the words from the other person are hurtful and angry. Maybe tears flow as the first reaction was unbelief at what was being said. The next reaction might be to defend yourself with hurtful words. How would that help the situation?
Instead, what if you walked away from the conversation? What about pausing to pray and asking God for the words He wants you to share? Or maybe God wants you to stay quiet in this particular instance. Ask Him for guidance.
How do you feel when someone gives you a compliment? When words spoken to you are gracious and sweet to the soul. Does that kindness cause you to want to respond in kindness?
Do you easily lift up others with gracious words and friendliness? We may never know what someone is experiencing in their life. Gracious words can change the perspective of a person who needs love and kindness.
Say hello to the cashier at the store, to the letter carrier, to a neighbor. Ask “How are you?” and truly pause to listen to the answer. Visit a nursing home and listen to the stories of the people there. Their lives are full of magnificent journeys. Taking a walk in the neighborhood on the weekend often brings a chance to speak with people we may not see during the week.
Listen to how you speak to others, in person and on the phone. Are you shining God’s love in your words and your actions? A smile and friendly words can soothe and heal the heart.
Listen to the way people speak to you. Is there something bothering them and they need comfort by your words?
Many questions and many things to consider. Words are a very special way to show others His love and grace. I pray today will be a day full of gracious words.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
~*~
Author Bio:
Melissa Henderson and her husband Alan live in South Carolina.
Married for over 38 years, they have one son (Mike) who is married to daughter-in-love (Christine) and now are blessed by precious grandson (Rowan).
Melissa was taught the love of reading and writing at an early age from her parents. She is now working on her first inspirational fiction novel.
Her passions are volunteering, Bible Studies and reading and writing. Connect with Melissa online, https://mimionlife.wordpress.com.
Married for over 38 years, they have one son (Mike) who is married to daughter-in-love (Christine) and now are blessed by precious grandson (Rowan).
Melissa was taught the love of reading and writing at an early age from her parents. She is now working on her first inspirational fiction novel.
Her passions are volunteering, Bible Studies and reading and writing. Connect with Melissa online, https://mimionlife.wordpress.com.
Hi Melissa, Your devotional's a great way to start the day. Thank you for reminding us to be kind.
ReplyDeleteHello Gail. Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate you.
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