Devotionals for the Heart: Gracious Words, Health, Honey and Healing

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:

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.

Thankful Thursday: Chivalry still lives

It’s Thursday and I am thankful for kindness! My thankfulness was spurred today through something as courteous and simple as a gentleman opening the door for me. 

Two gentlemen in fact, held open the doors for me as I was leaving PANERA. Let me explain why there were two men opening the doors. When approaching a PANERA to enjoy their yummy food and drinks or whatever your reason may be, you first open the outer door and step inside to what is like a foyer and then you reach out to open the inner door which leads into the café. Today, I went there to buy my favorite cinnamon crunch bagel and honey walnut cream cheese. As I was walking toward the exit with my purchase inside a paper bag provided by the cafe, I noticed that two gentlemen were on their way into the cafe but they paused in their walk in order to hold the doors open for me-- one man stood patiently by the inner door and the other was stationed by the outer door. I said a polite and appreciative “thank you” to both gentlemen as I walked through the open doors and headed into the parking lot where my car was parked.

It was during my walk to my car that I wondered why some women, decades after the feminist movement in the U.S.A., still become offended if a man holds open a door for you. I don’t understand why because it does not take away your rights as a woman, your dignity or your respect. It in fact pays tribute to who you are as a woman because it’s the gentleman’s way of acknowledging you as an important and valued person in society. I don’t know about you, but I see it as a sign of respect.

The feminist movement was very important in regards to creating equal rights to work and pay for women and giving ladies a voice and power in the public square that they were previously denied. I am grateful for leaders of the movement like Gloria Steinem and Germaine Geer and the pioneering work they did to improve quality of life in the U.S.A. for women. I believe a lot of good has come as a result of that fearless work. However, when it comes to simple courtesies like a gentleman holding open a door for a lady, I don’t see any wrong in it and I think it’s healthy for society.

Now mind you I don’t go looking for this courtesy—I’m perfectly happy opening my own doors and I am a very capable woman who knows how to take charge and solve problems on my own—but I admit, it always brings a smile to my face when men take time to open the doors for women and step aside so the lady can enter or exit the building. I think it’s sweet! It shows that chivalry is not dead and gentlemen who are respectful to ladies still exist! So yes, ladies we are perfectly capable of opening our own doors BUT if a gentleman wants to open the door for you and treat you like the priceless jewel you are then let him be a gentleman and treat you like a lady…just my advice, take it or leave it.

What are you thankful for?