Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24
A Gracious Influence
Some, and probably most, of the life-changing ministry that is performed each day is done outside of the walls of the church by people in the natural course of their lives. When we are ministers as Christ has called us to be, ministry is not just something that we schedule or perform, it is the outflow of Christ within us. A big part of our testimony to others is how we act – and how we speak.
Obviously, we humans have a hard time with our mouths evidenced by the thousands of self-help books written about the words we speak. God gave us lots of direction in the many scriptures about the power of the tongue, and we study a lot about controlling our tongues and not saying things we shouldn’t, but sometimes we need to focus more on the things we should say.
A “good” word can change everything. A kind word of affirmation can actually change a person’s whole day. Like the verse above says, gracious words are like sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. Healing, sweet, and so needed in this world today. There are not enough gracious words being said.
Our words always speak louder than our religious rituals. Anyone can wear religious apparel, come to church, put a fish icon on their rear bumper, listen to Christian music, or create an impressive religious social media post. But without a doubt, one of the greatest indicators of our faith, spiritual maturity and wisdom are the words that come out of our mouths. More harm has come to religion, family, government, and society by the tongue than any bottle, pill or gun. It is the sin of all ages of people.
Every word we speak is a container that is filled with something. Our words can be filled with love, joy, happiness, blessing, and graciousness, or they can be filled with sarcasm, unbelief, all kinds of negativity, and even hate. We are to build people up, not tear them down, and when used properly the tongue can mend fences, heal broken hearts and encourage those who are in need of encouragement.
Somebody you know, someone you may come in contact with today, someone needs the sweetness and healing your gracious words can provide. And someone else is watching and listening to see what you say or how you respond. It is hard to remember that we are always influencing someone every time we open our mouths. Those we work with and do life with will be influenced by our words to them and those around us. In fact, being careful with our words is essential, and we desperately need the help of God for the wisdom to know: when to speak, what to speak, how to speak and to whom we are to speak. Let your words be gracious and filled with self-control – the Lord can help with that! Today be mindful to those who need some gracious words spoken into their broken lives.
Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! James 3:3-5
