by Dona Hake
Our words can build people up or our words can tear people down. One word has the power to encourage, yet an unkind word has the power to tear a heart down. When I think of people that always seem to speak words with grace I think of those individuals that seem to know how to speak exactly the right thing . They seem to know not only the perfect words but their timing is just as proper. As I looked at Colossians 4:6 , I found two translations very thought provoking.
“Be gracious in your speech.
The goal is to bring out the best in others
in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.”
Colossians 4:6 The Message
“Everything you say should be kind and
well thought out so that you know
how to answer everyone.”
Colossians 4:6 GOD’S WORD Translation
Today let us look at setting a goal of our words being that of bringing out the best in people. There will be times that we will encounter people that do not feel good about themselves. Sometimes this is because of things they might be enduring, they may be feeling low, and not feeling self worth. As we exercise observation of people while we are in conversation we may be surprised how the Lord may provide an opportunity for us to build them up.
I believe as we purpose to think through and observe people carefully before we speak, we may be surprised how the Lord desires to use our words to build them up. As we couple that with seeing others through God’s eyes we too will see them in a different light as well. Let our words be encouraging, full of His grace that our words are instruments for a good thing!
Proverbs 18:4 (TLB)
“A wise man’s words express deep streams of thought.”